Japan is renowned for its healthy population and long life expectancy, consistently topping the list of the world’s healthiest countries. With an average life expectancy of 85 years, Japan is a prime example of how diet, lifestyle, and environment contribute to longevity. But what makes Japan stand out as the healthiest country for 2024? Let’s break it down.
1. The Power of Diet: A Balanced and Nutrient-Rich Approach
Japanese cuisine is a key factor in their impressive life expectancy. A traditional Japanese diet is rich in fish, vegetables, rice, and plant-based ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and bitter melon. In Okinawa, a blue zone region where people live to be over 100, foods like turmeric, sweet potatoes, and green tea are staples in daily meals. These foods are not only delicious but provide essential nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that promote longevity and overall health.
Additionally, while Japan’s cocktail culture and whisky market have exploded in recent years, alcohol consumption remains relatively low, averaging just 6.68 liters per person annually. This low intake contributes to a decreased risk of alcohol-related health problems.
2. Active Living: Embracing Physical Movement
Physical activity is a major part of life in Japan, particularly in the countryside where people walk, cycle, and hike regularly. With its mountainous landscape, Japan offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activity, including hiking Mount Fuji, one of the most famous mountains in the world. Regular movement combined with a largely plant-based diet contributes to Japan’s low obesity rate of just 5.63%. This active lifestyle helps keep cardiovascular diseases at bay, with only 77 cardiovascular deaths per 100,000 people—far below the global average of 295.
3. Low Smoking and Tobacco Use
Japan’s smoking rates have been decreasing over the years due to government regulations and widespread awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Smoking-related diseases are less prevalent, contributing to the country’s healthy population. Additionally, tobacco laws in Japan are strictly enforced, further reducing its impact on public health.
4. A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
Japan excels not only in physical health but also in mental wellness. The country’s culture emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and a balanced lifestyle. The Japanese practice “ikigai” (meaning “a reason for being”), a concept that focuses on finding purpose in life, contributing to mental clarity and reduced stress.
5. Health Systems and Healthcare
Japan’s public healthcare system is another significant factor contributing to the country’s high life expectancy. It provides accessible and affordable healthcare for citizens, ensuring early detection and treatment of diseases, which helps people live healthier lives for longer.
The Healthiest Countries in 2024: A Common Thread
Countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and Norway also feature high on the list of the healthiest nations, with common factors like physical activity, healthy diets rich in lean meats, fish, vegetables, and grains, as well as low levels of tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Conclusion: Live Longer, Live Healthier
If you’re considering a move to a healthier lifestyle, perhaps Japan is worth your attention. With its focus on balanced eating, active living, and mental wellness, Japan’s secrets to health are a model for the rest of the world. Whether you’re hiking through the Japanese Alps or savoring a bowl of miso soup, Japan offers valuable lessons on how to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
