Why Spain is near the top of the table for life expectancy!

Here at Jacaranda Spain we are always happy to promote the Spanish lifestyle. It came as no surprise to us that recently published tables for worldwide life expectancy, placed Spain near the top of the table.

At number 9, Spain has a life expectancy, for both sexes combined, of 83.8 years. The UK lagged way behind at number 37 with a life expectancy of 81.4 years and the US at number 48 with life expectancy of 79.4 years!

So, why is Spain among the leading countries when it comes to life longevity?

1. 1) Geography and Environment

   The weather, of course plays a key role. More days of sunshine, mentally and physically, improve your wellbeing. The suns rays increase your vitamin D production, as well as your seratonin levels. Seratonin is also known as the “feel good” chemical. It has a key role in mood, sleep, memory, digestion and bone health. 

   The sunshine encourages more physical activity and a greater connection with nature and the outdoors.

   

   Spanish people spend far more time outdoors, both for physical exercise and socially. Even the elderly members of the community go for evening walks and bring their chairs out in the street to pass the evening chatting to neighbours. Here in the Marina Alta we have all of natures best features, right on our doorstep. The Valley, the mountains and the coast, all within minutes!

   

   2) Culture 

   The pace of life in Spain is famously, more laid back. Foreigners, at first, may find this a frustrating trait of the Spanish way of life. However, think about it… the frenetic, materialistic societies of other European countries are much harder for our hosts here in Spain to understand! The “siesta” is still an important part of the day for most people, it is a chance to rest and refresh before getting back to your day. There is more value placed on family and social events, from the regular community fiestas to the solemn but unifying religious processions. Spain has a multi-generational society. The kids and elderly relatives are included in all of the social plans. There is a much greater sense of family and community values in even the smallest of villages. 

   3) The Mediterranean diet

   If you ask the stall holders at the weekly produce market where their fruit and veg comes from, or check out the labels in the supermarkets, 99% of fruit and vegetables are grown in Spain. Fresher and more flavourful as a result and much more nutritious. Combined with the “liquid gold”, Spanish olive oil, the larger consumption of fresh fish and seafood, the distinct lack of ultra processed, frozen food and TV dinners etc, all mean that the Mediterranean diet IS the most healthy in the world. 

   

   4) Healthcare

   The healthcare system in Spain is world class. There is an emphasis on preventative screening and testing, free for everybody of all ages. Essential screenings for all cancers are done at a younger age. Early detection means that successful treatment and survival rates are much better than in other countries. 

   5) Cost of living

   This is like the icing on the cake! Your money simply goes further, meaning you have more of it, to get out and spend, on doing all of the things that make you happier and healthier, well into your retirement years.

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