09-05-2025
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."
