Spain has once again been ranked highly worldwide for its residents long life expectancy. So what are the Spaniard’s secrets?
Spain’s Secret To A Long Life
Spain has been ranked 2nd, behind only Japan, for life expectancy in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)’s recent list which rates the average Spaniard’s life expectancy at birth is 83.2 years, compared to 83.4 in Japan, both which are well above the OECD average of 80.5. Life expectancy in the UK is 81.1 and in the States just 78.8.
Spain’s Secret To A Long Life
However, the OECD report did point out that Spain still has a way to go on reducing things like alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking, so what is it about Spain that allows its residents to live so long?
Diet
It is well known that previous studies have praised the positive health effects of a Mediterranean diet, with a report in 2013 advising that it can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks by 30%.
Heart disease
According to the OECD’s report, part of what has helped the Spanish life expectancy to shoot up to 2nd place in 2013 from 6th place in 2000 is the sharp decline in deaths in Spain due to cardiovascular diseases, with Spain having one of the lowest mortality rates for heart disease, behind Japan, Portugal, Netherlands, South Korea and France. Some of this could be due in part to the drop in the number of Spaniards smoking, which is down from 32% of adults in 2000 to 24% in 2013.
Health Care In Spain
Spain also does an excellent job in ensuring its citizens, no matter what their economic background, get the medical care they need. In 2013, less than 1% of Spaniards reported not having their medical needs met, meaning factors such as cost, waiting lists and distance to travel for medical attention was well catered for and put Spain at the top of the OECD charts, along with Austria and the Netherlands. In addition, Spain was highly rated by the OECD for its diabetes care, with one of the lowest rates of hospital admissions, just behind Switzerland and Italy.
Jamon
Slightly controversial in light of the recent World Health Organization’s report that put cured meats like jamon in the same league as cigarettes for cancer risk. But other experts say that because the meat is so rich in oleic acid, (also found in olive oil), the jamon actually helps regulate cholesterol.
Climate
Of course the sunshine rate of approx 325 days per year in the Costa Blanca region, certainly helps with both the feel good factor and Vitamin D absorption, which aids against brittle bones. In addition, sunny days especially in the winter combat both SAD and also enable a much healthier outdoor lifestyle all year round enabling people to exercise by walking or cycling.
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