People in this city live the longest on earth and it's down to two things
Locals in this region outlive everyone on Earth, and it's down to a couple of clever life hacks. The principality of Monaco boasts an impressively high average lifespan of 87.01 years as of 2023.
Marking a 2.38 per cent uptick since 2022, the citizens' longevity is tied to superb living conditions and top-notch healthcare available there. But it's two particular habits that stand out for praise, reports
Surrey Live
.
These secrets to a long life?
It's the Med-inspired grub and ample alfresco time enjoyed by most, according to Insider Monkey.
Mediterranean munching
Clinching the title of "world's healthiest diet" for a seventh consecutive year, the Mediterranean menu is lauded not just for its comprehensive wellbeing payoffs but also for its specific perks for heart health, blood sugar levels, bone and joint wellness. Plus, it scores points for being a doddle to follow and fab for family dinners.
The Mediterranean way of eating revolves around heaps of veggies, fruit, beans, lentils, and nuts, alongside a solid serving of wholesome grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice. Seafood gets the thumbs up in this diet, as does a moderate nip of natural cheese and yogurt, coupled with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for those all-important good fats.
Dodging red meats and sugary snacks is part of the deal, but a glass of vino during meals is totally acceptable.
A large panel of medical and nutrition experts, who evaluated numerous popular diets and eating habits in categories such as nutritional completeness, health risks and benefits, long-term sustainability, and evidence-based effectiveness, selected the diet. It received a score of 85.1 per cent, comfortably surpassing the second-ranked diet on their list.
Diet is one of the key choices
(Image: Getty Images)
Outdoor activity
Dan Buettner, an expert in longevity, has identified one activity he believes is 'better than the gym'. Considering this is part of their lifestyle, the people of Monaco are likely onto something.
In a conversation with Dr Tim Spector on the ZOE Health podcast, Dan, the founder of Blue Zones, explained how an outdoor activity like gardening could extend your lifespan. Blue Zones refers to unique longevity hotspots around the globe where people regularly live to be over 100 years old.
These areas have low rates of chronic diseases and are marked by specific lifestyle factors that contribute to longevity, such as a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, and strong social connections. If you're seeking a low-impact outdoor activity to incorporate into your routine, Dan suggests gardening as it allows for varied body movement.
Gardening is not only a serene activity but it's also excellent for lowering cortisol levels, the body's main stress hormone, while keeping your joints limber. Dan stated: "I've seen the studies that show that when you're gardening, your cortisol levels or your stress hormones drop.
"And it could very well be you get your hands dirty and you wipe your mouth and you're getting the microbiome. There's a little bit of dirt. But I argue that gardening is probably much better than joining a gym, the best longevity exercise you could do."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning as sale of disposable vapes comes into effect TODAY in Northern Ireland – as alert issued to drivers who vape
A BAN on the sale and supply of disposable vapes kicks off in Northern Ireland today. Only reusable vapes will be sold from June 1 with the government crackdown aimed at preventing youths from picking up the habit and protecting the environment. 3 Disposable vapes can no longer supplied or sold in Northern Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 An alert has also been issued to drivers who vape Credit: Getty Images - Getty The Irish TD Colm Burke welcomed the approval from the Government to draft legislation on the ban last year. He said: 'Our young people are exposed to nicotine inhaling products in retail environments with bright and colourful packaging and a variety of flavours. 'Single-use READ MORE ON HEALTH 'I believe that these measures will contribute to the better health and wellbeing of our youth, and I look forward to working with Minister Donnelly on the development of this legislation.' Minister Ossian Smyth added: 'Single-use vapes are a challenge in the context of waste management and are a wasteful use of critical raw materials. 'They are also very damaging to the environment when discarded as litter.' Some 46 per cent of 17-18 year-olds (year 14 Most read in The Irish Sun Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, Colette Rogers, said: 'The accessibility and low price of single use vapes have played a part in increasing their availability and shareability among young people, so the ban on these types of devices is an opportunity to address the concerning levels of vaping among teenagers. 'The new law means that products will only be compliant if they are refillable and rechargeable. Police raid largest spice vapes operation after kids were left hospitalised 'We welcome this and hope it reduces the number of vapes in active use, and are asking parents and carers to use it as an opportunity to discourage The Irish Heart Foundation has called on the government to ban the 'import, manufacture, and sale of single-use or disposable vapes'. The charity wants to see a ban introduced on all vape flavours, except tobacco flavour. They are calling for a complete ban on all forms of vape advertisements, including Point-of-Sale (POS) and online. The group are asking the government to introduce plain packaging for vapes and stop the online sale of vapes. They are also calling to increase the legal age of sale of all forms of e-cigarettes to 21. Car insurance expert and Managing Director of CompareNI, Ian Wilson, warned drivers of the dangers of using refillable vapes behind the wheel as the ban kicks in. He said: 'For anyone who plans on switching over to reusable vapes after the ban comes into force, you should be aware that using these devices while driving could see you end up on the wrong side of the law. 'Reusable vapes are more powerful than single use vapes and produce a much larger and denser cloud of vaper. These thicker clouds can fog up the windscreen and block your vision, posing a danger to yourself and other road users. 'Also, these devices tend to be larger and heavier than disposable vapes, so handling them, adjusting the controls or refilling the liquid when behind the wheel can divert your attention away from the road and may lead to serious consequences. 'If you are involved in an accident and the police deem that vaping was a contributing factor, you could be charged with careless driving and face a fine of up to £5,000 (€5,930) and nine penalty points – or even a discretionary driving ban.' 3 Disposable vapes have now been banned from the shelves of all shops in NI Credit: Jacob King/PA Wire
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Urgent warning as nasty bug ‘circulating at high levels' in community – the three signs to watch out for
AN urgent warning is in place for the Irish public as a nasty bug spreads at high speeds. Advertisement 2 The norovirus is spreading rapidly throughout Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty 2 There are key signs to watch out for Credit: Getty Images - Getty Ireland is currently facing an off-season surge in cases. Numbers of cases of the As the name suggests, it usually surges in winter months, though right now it is spreading rapidly through the community. Health experts are warning that it could continue to spread at high levels for "the next number of weeks." Advertisement READ MORE IN HEALTH The latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) revealed that 62 cases were reported over the last week. This is a jump of 28 cases, up from 34 the previous week. It is a rise of 82.4 per cent - suggesting the virus is spreading rapidly. Some 44 of these cases were reported in those aged 65 and older. Advertisement Most read in Health There were four cases in each of the 45-64 and 25-44 age ranges, one case in those aged between 19 and 24, and nine cases in children aged 0 to 4. There were no cases reported in the 5 to 18 age group. SYMPTOMS The illness is very infectious, and causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. Signs of the illness usually appear one to two days after exposure and last for two to three days. Advertisement There are three key symptoms to keep an eye out for. The Other people see symptoms including a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. In an update this week, the HPSC said: "Norovirus, in most people, is an unpleasant but mild illness that passes off quickly without any treatment. Advertisement "It can usually be managed at home - drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed." But anyone with symptoms should stay off work, STOP THE SPREAD There is no cure for the virus as antibiotics don't help - though it usually only lasts a few days. Rest and fluids can help with recovery. Advertisement It's important to stay home as it can spread easily through close contact, touching contaminated surfaces and airborne droplets. The HPSC urged people to follow these steps to prevent further spread: Stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have passed If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, try to avoid visiting Emergency Departments - talk to your pharmacist or GP by phone instead. However, if you think you are really unwell, you should not delay in going to the Emergency Department. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Alcohol hand gels do not kill noroviruses. According to the HSE, norovirus can infect people more than once as it keeps mutating, so your body cannot build lasting immunity.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Thousands MORE qualify for little-known €500 & €1,000 ‘free services' PRSI payments as increases revealed after changes
THOUSANDS more are set to qualify two little-known "free services" PRSI payments amid new increases. The Treatment Benefit covers a vast range of dental, optical and aural services. Advertisement 1 Several changes were made Credit: Getty Images This can include eye tests and oral examinations, contact lenses and hearing aids. People suffering from certain conditions such as alopecia or undergoing chemotherapy may also be able to avail of wigs or hairpieces covered by the And now new changes to the payment will mean even more people will qualify for €500 or €1000 sums. The Minister for Social Protection Advertisement READ MORE IN MONEY €500 PAYMENT The €500 contributes towards one medical device, such as one hearing aid per ear every four years Prior to 2021, the Department covered 50 per cent of the cost of hearing aids up to €500 per ear once every four years. New regulations introduced in 2021 removed the need for the patient to cover half the cost of their hearing aid. Now they must only cover the cost themselves if their hearing aid is over €500 per ear. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN In May 2022 a €500 euro hair replacement benefit was also introduced. This is an annual payment for those suffering from hair loss under certain conditions. €1,000 PAYMENT The €1,000 payment can be claimed against the cost of This is split in two parts of €500 per eye and is paid out once every two years. Advertisement Prior to 2022 this payment was made every four years. QUALIFYING CHANGES Since April 2022 you must have paid 39 paid Class A, E, H, P or S social insurance contributions if you are aged between 25 to 28. This is significantly lower than the previously required 260 contributions over five years of employment. As it stands, to qualify those under 21 must have at least 39 contributions at anytime. Advertisement In the category of 25-year-old to 28-year-old the 39 contributions must be paid or credited in the governing contribution year or 26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years. Those aged over 29 must have at least 260 paid contributions and again at least 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year or 26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution years. QUALIFYING FOR PEOPLE OVER 66 There are very specific requirements for over 66s to qualify. They must have 260 PRSI contributions paid at any time and 39 paid or credited contributions in the relevant tax year or the year immediately before it. Advertisement Otherwise they must have 260 PRSI contributions paid at any time and 26 paid contributions in both the relevant tax year and the year immediately before it. However, if you turned 66 between 1 October 1987 and 6 July 1992, you need 208 paid contributions. DENTAL CHANGES The The Department will pay the cost of a full oral examination once per year. Advertisement However, from January 2024, the fee paid to a dentist for providing an Oral examination, including x-ray, was increased from €33 to €40, available once per calendar year.
