Most people want to live a happy, healthy, and long life, which is something that can fairly easily be achieved in one of the 10 countries with the best climate for longevity.
It’s news to me prior to checking out this article that the place you live determines how long you could potentially live. It makes sense, though, because your environment impacts your health and wellbeing. Now I’m going to be overly conscious of the fact that I’m living in a country that doesn’t crack the top five, but top ten is good enough for me. There are certainly improvements that can be made in the US to help people live longer.
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We compiled our information from the World Factbook and the World Health Organization. To rank the countries, we primarily took into consideration the HDI (Human Development Index) score. HDI is defined by the UN Development Program as “a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and have a decent standard of living.” The HDI score contributes to the average life expectancy, so they tend to go hand-in-hand.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to life expectancy, including improvements in public health, nutrition, and medicine. These are the factors that make up a country’s “climate,” instead of the literal weather climate. The Royal Geographical Society believes the life expectancy of developed countries will continue to grow until it reaches its peak at around 85-87 years.
Canada, which — spoiler alert — appears on this list, does actually have some warm cities, and if you want to check them out take a look at the 10 Warmest Sunniest Places to Live in Canada. Keep reading to see the rest of our list of the 10 countries with the best climate for longevity:
10. New Zealand
Life expectancy: 81.8 years
HDI score: 0.913
New Zealand has a very strong healthcare policy for citizens. Everything is publicly funded, aside for a few minor exceptions, like some cosmetic surgeries. Nobody will be declined from emergency care; however, foreigners will have to bear some expenses for treatment. New Zealand has the 53rd largest GDP in the world.
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9. Canada
Life expectancy: 82.0 years
HDI score: 0.913
Canada is one of the wealthiest nations in the world and its economy ranks among the top 20. The healthcare follows socialized health insurance plans, which provides healthcare to all its citizens.
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8. United States
Life expectancy: 79.1 years
HDI score: 0.915
Most US hospitals operate on a non-profit basis; however, healthcare expenses can be pretty high. There are, though, health insurance plans available and it’s taking steps toward bettering the system. The US has the world’s largest economy.
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7. Ireland
Life expectancy: 80.9 years
HDI score: 0.916
The number seven on our list of countries with the best climate for longevity is Ireland that has a government-funded public health care system and anyone living there for over one year is eligible for either full or partial health service benefits. The economy isn’t the greatest, but minimum wage is high.
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6. Germany
Life expectancy: 80.9 years
HDI score: 0.916
Germany has a universal multi-payer health care system, sickness funds, and private health insurance. Like Ireland, the whole population is eligible for sickness funds if they earn below the relatively high income threshold of around €50,000 per year. Germany has the largest economy in Europe and fourth-largest GDP in the world.
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5. Netherlands
Life expectancy: 81.6 years
HDI score: 0.922
The Netherlands boasts an economy that is considered among the top 20 in the world. The unemployment rate is at about 7 percent according to the World Bank in a 2013 report. Their healthcare policy is rather effective, despite the cost being high. Health insurance is mandatory, but the hospitals and insurance companies operate under a “for profit” policy. The mandatory health care likely contributes to its place on this list of the 10 countries with the best climate for longevity.
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4. Denmark
Life expectancy: 80.2 years
HDI score: 0.923
Healthcare expenses are carried by Denmark’s government if you’re a Denmark or EU citizen. Healthcare services are financed by income tax payments by its citizens, which is obviously effective enough at keeping people living longer to help this country land on our list. Denmark has the number 12 spot on the global economy rankings.
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3. Switzerland
Life expectancy: 83.0 years
HDI score: 0.930
Switzerland has the 20th largest economy in the world. Switzerland’s policy of long-term monetary security and political stability have made it a safe place to invest in. The country’s economy is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. While the country doesn’t offer free healthcare services, Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance dictates that private healthcare insurance has to be taken up by every Swiss resident. The medical infrastructure is pretty noteworthy for that.
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2. Australia
Life expectancy: 82.4 years
HDI score: 0.935
Australia has one of the world’s largest mixed market economies today, making it an ideal place for businesses to develop and grow. It offers publicly funded universal healthcare and also a private option.
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1. Norway
Life expectancy: 81.6 years
HDI score: 0.944
Just like Australia, Norway, the next entry on our list of countries with the best climate for longevity, has a mixed market economy where strategic ownership is exercised by the state. Needless to say, the very high per-capita income makes Norway a desirable place to live. Norway operates one of, if not the, best healthcare systems in the world. All hospitals are owned and operate by the state and medical expenses are carried out by the state for all citizens under the age of 16. After reaching adulthood, Norwegians must pay a deductible each year until they’re eligible for an exemption card. This system clearly works well considering Norway’s number one spot on our list.
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That concludes our list of the 10 countries with the best climate for longevity. Did yours make our list?
