Okinawa, Japan According to Blue Zones, the people living in Okinawa are fortunate enough to have extremely low rates of cancer, heart disease, and dementia compared to Americans. Their longevity can also be attributed to strong social ties, as well as a deep sense of purpose.
Cities in Spain, Portugal, Australia and Japan topped the Healthiest Places to Live 2022 ranking, making it easy for residents to lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of their well-being.
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Bloomberg News recently ranked the health of 169 countries around the globe based on factors like life expectancy, weight, and clean air. For the 2019 list, Spain rose five spots to number one, pushing out fellow Mediterranean nation Italy as the healthiest in the world.
The Japanese also have the lowest rates of obesity among men and women as well as long life expectancy. The island of Okinawa, in southernmost Japan, has the highest number of centenarians in the world as well as the lowest risk of age-related diseases (for example diabetes, cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer's).
Australians have access to high-quality, timely and affordable healthcare at every stage of life. Medicare is Australia's universal health care system, providing free public hospital care and patient subsidies for medical services, while the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme keeps medicines affordable.
Most Australians can expect to enjoy long and relatively healthy lives, however, some population groups have different experiences of health than others.
The U.S. is the unhealthiest country globally because of its high obesity rate and the heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses that go along with it. America has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world—and it's not just adults who are getting heavier and heavier: childhood obesity is also a problem.
1. The Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is the unhealthiest country in the world, with the nation's citizens emerging as some of the heaviest drinkers.
The small nation of Iceland ranks as the healthiest country in the world. Iceland performs better than most nations in life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, and incidence of diseases like tuberculosis.
The Scandi diet is big on reducing starchy carbs and replacing those calories with heaping servings of healthy proteins, such as locally-sourced, cold-water fish, and organic vegetables. Just as importantly, Scandinavians believe it's not just what you eat that counts, it's how you prepare it that matters too.
Nutrition Facts
High in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the Asian diet is also low in saturated and total fat. It is this combination that many health professionals believe protects against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. The Asian diet is relatively low in meat and dairy foods.
Males born in San Marino or Monaco had the highest life expectancy in the world as of 2022. San Marino also had the highest life expectancy for females with on average 89 years. In Japan the life expectancy was 88 years for females and 82 years for males.
Traditional Japanese diets are rich in seafood and fresh vegetables, which may be one reason why Japan has the highest average life expectancy in the world ( 3 ). Fish, in particular, is a staple in the Japanese diet, which is often rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids ( 4 ).
Eating plenty of fruit and veg, the citizens of Chad have world's healthiest diet, while those in Armenia have the worst, according to new research comparing global eating habits.
1. Sydney, NSW. It turns out the most populous city in Australia is also the healthiest. So much so, that Sydney ranked highest in 7 out of 9 wellness factors.
Australia performs well in many dimensions of well-being relative to other countries in the Better Life Index. Australia outperforms the average in income, jobs, education, health, environmental quality, social connections, civic engagement and life satisfaction. These assessments are based on available selected data.
Our improved healthcare system and vaccination rates, advanced medical treatments and lower mother and baby mortality rates have meant that the average person can expect to enjoy around two more decades. The United Nations World Population Prospects suggests current life expectancy in Australia in 2022 to be 83.79.
The five countries with the unhealthiest diet:
Uzebekistan. Afghanistan. Marshall Islands. Papua New Guinea.
Lemons. Lemons have been widely regarded in the health industry as the world's healthiest food. The sour fruit is an alkalising powerfood; they have strong anti-inflammatory qualities and can even help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Unlike most wealthy countries, Australia's economy lacks both diversification and sophistication. Australia's primary exports are in low complexity categories such as mining and agriculture.
Australians live longer than Americans, they're healthier and they see their doctors more. They don't die of preventable diseases nearly as often as we do. And they get these results for less money, spending about half what we do per person.