As countries strive to improve the overall health of their nation, life expectancy is falling in the U.S. The National Center for Health Statistics says the current life expectancy is 77.5 years in the U.S., a drop from 79 years in 2019.
Many factors contribute to life expectancy, like age, sex, race, ethnicity, and where we live. A recent Casino of the Kings study of 200 countries named Japan the healthiest country for aging. The study highlights the top 10 healthiest countries to grow old in, analyzing factors such as life expectancy, quality of living, health care, overall happiness, and climate.
There’s no better time than now to worry about your health. While an international move isn’t a simple change, we might be able to learn something from these 10 countries that cleared the top 10.
Japan
Japan, known for its diet rich in fish, seafood, and plant-based foods, retains its top spot on the list as the healthiest country to age in, with a composite score of 100.0. Notably, Japan is the second-most affordable country on the list and has the longest life expectancy at 84.9 years.
The country’s sophisticated healthcare system also offers universal health coverage through a government-regulated, fee-for-service model that allows patients to access public or private medical facilities without cost differences.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of eight European countries to rank among the healthiest countries for aging, with a composite score of 95.1. The country ranks high in happiness and has the list’s second-highest quality of life.
Despite the Netherlands ranking as the sixth-happiest country in the world, complaining is like small talk in the Netherlands. Canadian Cafe Owner Chris Godwaldt, who moved to the Netherlands permanently in 2015, told Molly Quell from Dutch News that complaining is “deeply ingrained” in Dutch culture.
Denmark
The survey declares Denmark No. 3 among the world’s healthiest countries for aging, with a composition score of 93.7. The life expectancy in Denmark is similar to that of the Netherlands, but the health index is slightly lower. However, the quality of life index is among the top three.
Key parts of the Danish formula? A healthy work-life balance. With 37-hour work weeks and five weeks’ paid vacation being the norm, it’s no wonder Denmark is the second-happiest country in the world.
Switzerland
Switzerland offers more than stunning Alpine landscapes. The country claims the fourth spot on the list with a score of 92.1, falling behind Denmark and the Netherlands. While it has a higher cost of living, its stable economy provides the citizens with a solid quality of life and reliable healthcare.
Home to a highly innovative economy, Switzerland ranks first among the 132 economies featured in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s 2023 Global Innovation Report. Many attribute the country’s success to its education system, which experts rank among the best in the world.
Switzerland has a compulsory health insurance system that covers a broad range of medical services, including hospital care, physician services, prescribed treatments by other health professionals, vaccinations, and complementary medicine such as acupuncture.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is another wealthy European country clearing the list of healthiest countries to age in, scoring 91.6. The country has the European Union‘s highest GDP per capita, with €89,800 — just under $95,000 — affording its citizens the highest quality of life. Luxembourg ranks just above Switzerland in overall happiness.
Its low climate index influences its ranking. The country endured unprecedented rainfall in the spring of 2024, seeing 43.1 rainy days, exceeding the average by 14 days, according to AgriMeteo.
Spain
Spain ranks as the sixth-healthiest country to age in, with a composite score of 90.9. Unlike Luxembourg, Spain boasts a more favorable climate index for sun lovers and follows a Mediterranean diet that famously emphasizes heart-healthy foods like olive oil, nuts, fish, and legumes.
Spain falls behind on the quality of life index but compensates with its top-notch healthcare system, which ranks fourth. Its tax-funded public healthcare system is free of charge at the point of delivery.
South Korea
South Korea is the second Eastern Asian country on the list. Like Japan, South Korea scored highly for safety and has a long life expectancy of 84.43 years, likely supported by its top-notch healthcare system.
South Korean health consciousness permeates even its gift-giving trends, with fruit, meat, and health supplements among the top gift choices for Chuseok, a holiday known colloquially as “Korean Thanksgiving.”
Finland
Finland is the second Scandinavian country to appear on the list, scoring 89.2. The country is among the happiest in the world, with a high quality of life and good healthcare to thank. Finland’s former Prime Minister Sanna Marin acknowledged that Finns weren’t “the most cheerful” but noted, “We have a good nation, and we have a good society.”
The life expectancy in Finland is the shortest on the list at 82.08 years. However, the cold climate can make life more difficult for the older population.
Austria
Austria ranks ninth on the list of the world’s healthiest countries for aging, receiving a score of 88.5. The latest version of the Austrian government’s official nutritional recommendations focuses on cutting down on meat, fish, and dairy products. Federal Minister Johannes Rauch emphasizes vegetables, fruit, and grains to “live longer and healthier.”
Austria shares similar results to Finland in terms of life expectancy and health care, but overall happiness is lower. At the same time, the climate is much more favorable in Austria than in Finland.
Portugal
Portugal, famed for its port wine and fish consumption, closes the ranking of the healthiest countries for aging. The country places No. 10 with a score of 87.0. The tax-funded National Health Service (NHS) allows Portuguese residents to access healthcare services.
The country ranks highest for its climate, offering Mediterranean temperatures moderated by a cooling Atlantic breeze. This climate is particularly suitable for older adults. Portugal also has the most affordable cost of living, but the quality of life is lower compared to other countries in the top 10.
