Mention Sweden and you're likely to think about Ikea, those delightful little meatballs, and well, Swedish Fish. But there's far more to the Scandinavian nation than meets the eye. In fact, last year it was ranked the best place in the world to grow old. Swedes also have among the highest life expectancies in the world, ranking in the world top 10, just shy of 82 years as of last year, compared with 78.7 years with the 26th-ranked U.S.. And last year, it was even ranked the 5th happiest nation in the world, according to the World Happiness report, while the U.S. came in 17th.
While you likely gravitate towards retiring in sunny places with sun-kissed beaches, it seems the chilly nation up north might actually be a better idea. Here are five reasons the Swedes are superior when it comes to aging:
Full of fish, berries, and whole grains, the diet has been shown to reduce cholesterol, lower the risk of heart disease, and some studies have suggested that the diet could be responsible for lower mortality rates.
And as the saying goes, there's nothing like a little fresh air for your health. Lower air pollution can reduces your chances of death from strokes, lung cancer, and numerous respiratory problems according to the World Health Organization. Studies have shown that any reductions in air pollution can have positive effects on life expectancy.
Many municipalities even provide meal delivery to seniors, communal meals at local centers, home-help aides, and can even apply for round-the-clock care at home in some cases.
And they're not just sweating it out at the gym. Walking is a big part of Swedish culture, with many people opting to work or cycle their way around.
While weaving exercise into your routine may seem like a small change, studies have shown that even modest amounts of exercise can go a long way. A Queen's University study showed people who exercise over two and a half hours a week can live up to six years longer than their inactive counterparts!
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