Top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy in the world for 2024

In this ranking we will not take statistics on such dwarf countries as Andorra, for example, or Monaco - because the statistical error would be too great. Or Vatican City. As a basis it is better to take countries with a population of at least 300-400 thousand - there will be a clearer statistical spread and a wider research base.

We will also mention Iceland with its 350 thousand people, because this country, although small, is a good illustration of how an orderly existence has a positive effect on life expectancy, and its trends can be extended to other, more densely populated, countries.

There are, however, factors, one might say, common to countries where people live long lives. They are

• well-developed and accessible medicine;
• a healthy environment;
• lack of internal upheaval, so no impact of stress;
• a high standard of living.

These 4 factors are probably the main ones. Everything else is derivative. Let's study our list!

Switzerland

Perhaps, the Swiss Confederation can be called the undisputed leader of our rating. People retire here at the age of 65 (men) and 60 (women). But, to be honest, these are still very cheerful pensioners in the majority. It is not without reason that some of the most frequent tourist groups of elderly people traveling around the world are the Swiss.

In general, the share of the population over 60 years old here is 25%. Think about it - a quarter of the population of those who have practically lived their lives, but still quite fresh and vigorous.

Japan

The island empire is not only not inferior to Switzerland in terms of longevity in some positions, but also ahead in some respects. But the rating is compiled according to many indicators, so those who compare them probably know better.

The Japanese traditionally eat a lot of seafood. Moreover, it is the country's tradition to eat them as fresh as possible. This means an abundance of unsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, rejuvenating flavonoids, and light proteins that remove free radicals from the body. And here the percentage of elderly people is even higher than in Switzerland - 32.0.

Malta

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea that is characterized by a high life expectancy. According to the latest figures, the average life expectancy in Malta is around 82 years, making it one of the highest performing countries in the world. This success can be attributed to several key factors:

Malta has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The government invests heavily in the industry, ensuring that health services are accessible and of high quality for all segments of the population.

Maltese cuisine is based on the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the healthiest in the world. It includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and olive oil, which promotes longevity.

Malta's mild Mediterranean climate favors the health and well-being of its inhabitants. The mild winters and warm summer months encourage an active outdoor lifestyle.

Maltese society is characterized by a high level of social connection and support. Strong family ties and a supportive community contribute to psychological well-being, which is important for longevity.

Malta is also an economically stable country with a high standard of living, which has a positive impact on the health of the population. These factors together form a favorable environment for a long and healthy life in Malta.

Iceland

"Cold weather is good for your health" - that's right about Icelanders! The population over 67 years old (the year of retirement) here is only 17%.

But this is only because old people prefer to change the climate to a more moderate, leaving on retirement somewhere in Denmark, Norway or Sweden - countries related by common ancestors, and with which there are special intergovernmental agreements on this matter.

All the more so, Iceland has a huge craze for healthy lifestyles, in particular, it is about to become a country where ANY smoking is banned. On a legislative level. At least the local parliament has been discussing such an initiative for two years now.

Spain

And why shouldn't they be long-lived here? The Mediterranean... and generally maritime climate, because the country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea from the east and the Atlantic from the west. And there are also mountains, where there are traditional for such places long-livers.

Plus an abundance of grapes and citrus fruits, plus seafood no worse than in Japan. Live and be happy! And 60 and more years old make up 23% of the population here. By the way, the year of retirement is the same for both men and women - at the age of 65.

Australia

To be fair, it should be noted that only indigenous Australians are long-lived here. Those who live here for at least the second generation - the climate here is very specific. But once you've settled in... Well, why don't you think about it? Pacific Ocean to the east. Indian Ocean to the west.

The fatal El Niño current, which cools the waters of the World Ocean, does not reach here ... well, and exotics in the form of poisonous spiders and jellyfish, and ferocious crocodiles have become so commonplace that a true Australian will indifferently dismiss such natural phenomena ... the movie "Crocodile Dundee" will prove it to you!

Men retire here at 65 and women at 64. The share of 60 and older in the total population is about 20%.

Sweden

The purely Swedish tradition of "separating" from children and grandchildren has become a trend in other Western countries as well. So there is practically no institution of "grandparents" raising their grandchildren here.

And even more so, keeping big-aged children on their support! So Swedish pensioners in any case live separately from their offspring, and only 4.1% live with them "in the same house".

The average age of a Swedish pensioner is 81 years, people over 60 in Sweden - up to 25%.

Israel

Men here retire at 67, women - at 62, but mothers of many children can retire earlier - in Israel there is a rather complex gradation of retirement, where the number of children and years of service in the IDF are taken into account (women here are conscripted). The average age of the elderly is 81, 76. The number of citizens over 60 of the total population of the country is 12%.

France

The average life expectancy in France is the same as in Israel - the same 81.1 years. In general, Spain, France and Israel are similar countries in terms of natural conditions, i.e. with a maritime climate in vast areas belonging to the coast.

Accordingly, and with approximately the same level of medical care and active age is shifted upward. Only pensioners of France with their neighbors have an advantage - here they retire at the age of 60. Not without reason the last cabinet of ministers time after time makes attempts to shift this age by 5 years for men and 2-3 years for women. This results in waves of protests.

The share of people over 60 here is more than 24%.

Norway

Average life expectancy in Norway is 83.1 years. The retirement age is 67 years. The natural conditions of this coastal country are still different from the countries located to the south, you can't swim in the northern sea.

But all the natural gifts of this sea do not differ much from the southern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Here even bioresources are richer (a distinctive feature of all northern seas, where most of the inhabitants of the depths are edible).

If we add to this the discovery and development of oil reserves in the last 40 years, and as a consequence of this - significant investments in the social sphere, the average increase in life expectancy to 81, 6 years becomes understandable.

And the share of people over 60 here is 22%.