The World’s Top 5 Longest-Living Countries: What Are They Eating, and Should We Steal Their Secrets?


Dear readers, have you ever wondered why some people seem to live forever? You visit your grandma, and she’s still running circles around you while you’re out of breath just climbing the stairs. Well, my friend, some countries have mastered the art of longevity better than others. While you’re here debating whether to eat another bag of chips, these people are out there casually hitting 100 years old like it’s no big deal.


So, let’s take a  journey into the world’s top five longest-living countries and uncover their secrets. Spoiler alert: It’s not unlimited pizza and Netflix binges.


1. Japan – The Land of Eternal Grandparents


Average Life Expectancy: Around 85 years


If you ever visit Japan, don’t be surprised if the old lady next door outruns you. This country is home to Okinawa, famously known as the “Land of the Immortals”—okay, maybe not literally, but close enough.


Lifestyle Secrets:

• They walk everywhere—not because they have to, but because they want to. Meanwhile, we’re out here taking the elevator to the gym.

• They practice “ikigai”, which is basically having a purpose in life. If your only purpose is scrolling through your phone, it might be time for an upgrade.

• Social connections! They don’t just like their neighbors—they love them. Imagine actually talking to your neighbors instead of pretending you don’t see them.


Food Habits:

• They eat a lot of fish, which is packed with omega-3 (aka the good kind of fat that won’t clog your arteries).

• Their diet includes seaweed, tofu, miso, and green tea—all things that sound too healthy to be real, but they swear by them.

• They practice “Hara Hachi Bu”, meaning they stop eating when they’re 80% full. Unlike the rest of us, who stop eating when we can’t move.


Daily Routine:


Wake up, stretch, drink green tea, go for a walk, eat some fish, talk to friends, work a little (yes, even the elderly), and end the day with more tea. No junk food binges, no stress-eating, no doom-scrolling.


2. Switzerland – Where Even the Chocolate Is Healthy (Somehow)


Average Life Expectancy: Around 84 years


Ah, Switzerland—the land of cheese, mountains, and people who somehow stay ridiculously fit while eating actual chocolate.


Lifestyle Secrets:

• They move a lot, thanks to their love for hiking, skiing, and just being outdoors instead of glued to a screen.

• Minimal stress. Swiss people are relaxed. Maybe it’s all the clean mountain air, or maybe it’s because they’re not stuck in traffic every day.

• They have money. Let’s be real—having a stable economy and good healthcare probably helps.


Food Habits:

• Dairy, but the good kind. Their cheese and yogurt are high-quality, unlike the stuff that makes your stomach hate you.

• Dark chocolate. Yes, Swiss chocolate is fancy and actually full of antioxidants. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean eating a whole bar in one sitting is good for you.

• Lots of fresh, local food. They’re not drowning in processed snacks.


Daily Routine:


Wake up, breathe fresh mountain air, sip coffee, eat a healthy breakfast, go hiking, work efficiently (but not too much), and enjoy the evening with friends. No stress, just vibes.


3. Singapore – Where Aging Seems Optional


Average Life Expectancy: Around 84 years


If you’ve ever visited Singapore, you’ve probably noticed that everyone looks 10 years younger than they actually are. Are they secretly vampires? Probably not. But their lifestyle is working.


Lifestyle Secrets:

• They have amazing healthcare, so they’re not avoiding the doctor until it’s too late.

• The country is super clean—seriously, even their air feels like it’s been filtered.

• They stay active—parks, walking, and even dancing in the streets (yes, really).


Food Habits:

• Lots of fish and veggies. Not a lot of deep-fried.

• Herbal teas and soups. They love their broths, and they’re packed with nutrients.

• Less sugar. Unlike the rest of us who can’t survive without sweet drinks, Singaporeans are pretty good at keeping sugar in check.


Daily Routine:


Wake up, have a light but healthy breakfast, go to work (which is efficient, not stressful), eat a balanced meal, walk in a park, and sleep at a decent time instead of binge-watching TV until 3 AM.


4. Italy – Where Pasta Somehow Keeps You Alive


Average Life Expectancy: Around 84 years


How are Italians living so long while eating pasta and drinking wine? Well, turns out, they’re doing it right.


Lifestyle Secrets:

• They walk a LOT. Those charming little streets? Perfect for daily movement.

• La Dolce Vita—they know how to relax, enjoy life, and not let stress ruin their health.

• Family first. Being surrounded by loved ones helps keep them happy and healthy.


Food Habits:

• Mediterranean diet! Think olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, and whole grains.

• Red wine (but in moderation). Unlike some of us, they’re not chugging it from the bottle.

• Less processed food. Everything is fresh, not frozen for 6 months.


Daily Routine:


Morning espresso, a light but nutritious meal, walking around town, enjoying a leisurely lunch, taking a nap (jealous?), and having dinner with family.


5. Spain – Siesta Your Way to a Longer Life


Average Life Expectancy: Around 83 years


Spain knows how to live, and apparently, napping is a life-extending activity.


Lifestyle Secrets:

• Siestas (midday naps). Imagine taking a break every afternoon just because you can.

• Socializing. They talk, laugh, and actually spend time together.

• Low-stress lifestyle. Work exists, but it’s not the center of life.


Food Habits:

• Mediterranean diet, just like Italy. Olive oil, seafood, nuts, and fresh produce.

• Tapas culture. Small portions, more variety—less overeating.

• Red wine (again, in moderation). At this point, wine is looking like a solid life choice.


Daily Routine:


Wake up, enjoy coffee, work a little, take a nap (seriously, they do this), have a relaxed dinner, and hang out with friends or family.


So, What Did We Learn?


Apparently, living longer isn’t about fancy supplements or weird diets. It’s about:

✅ Moving more

✅ Eating real food (sorry, instant noodles)

✅ Enjoying life (less stress, more naps)

✅ Having strong social connections


So, my dear readers, if you want to live longer, start by walking more, eating better, and maybe—just maybe—taking a nap after lunch. It’s science!

Comments

MKay said…
Love the insights and your summary and encouragement!
February 24, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Ruby Dalvina said…
Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
February 24, 2025 at 6:17 AM
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