Japan leads the list of countries in longevity, with an estimated average lifespan of 84.5 years, while it is 84 years in Switzerland, 83.5 in South Korea and 83.3 in Singapore and Spain, according to the latest data from the World Health Organization.
In this report - published by Goodhouse in its Russian version - Natalia Ozugina stated that these countries are united by many common points such as a high standard of living, high-quality health care as well as an active population, exercise, and healthy food.
The Japanese diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet, in that it prioritizes seafood, vegetables and fruits (Getty Images)
Japan.. Hara Hachibo and 10,000 Steps and Ikigai
The Japanese diet is very similar to the Mediterranean diet, prioritizing seafood, fish, vegetables, fruits, seaweed and soy products, eating red meat rarely, and preferring chicken over this type of meat.
In fact, the Japanese diet "hara-hachi-bo" means a belly full of 80%, meaning that the Japanese stop eating before reaching the state of satiety by 20%.
This brings benefits to the health and financial situation as well.
Moreover, the Japanese are known for their popular love of hot baths and thermal springs, which drives them on vacations to go to balneological spas to improve their health.
Unlike many other countries, when they reach retirement age, Japanese people do not put an end to their career and can learn a new profession, do some volunteer work, join clubs and go to relevant places.
The Japanese idea of "ikigai" - which is to give life meaning, color and taste - has conquered the whole world.
The Swiss love the mountains and it's evident that they go there or to the lakes every weekend (Getty Images)
Switzerland.. mountains, skiing, chocolate and happiness
As much as they love fancy watches and fine cheeses, the Swiss love mountains.
This is evidenced by their going to them or lakes every weekend.
In the same context, Swiss cuisine combines Italian, German and French cuisine.
The Swiss eat a lot of chocolate, and the amount consumed by a Swede is estimated at about 12 kilograms per year.
The youthful appearance of the Swedes is attributed to eating their chocolate as it contains polyphenols that prevent the development of heart diseases and cancer.
It is not excluded that the chocolate diet - or perhaps the standard of living in this country - plays a large role in the Swedish citizen's topping the list of "happy peoples", as revealed by the ratings of opinion polls conducted by various institutes.
According to these surveys, more than 3 quarters of Swiss feel happy and satisfied with life.
Koreans believe that maintaining a youthful appearance until old age is due to saunas and springs (Getty Images)
South Korea.. kimchi, hot springs and fresh food
The South Korean is obsessed with fresh food.
That's why many restaurants build aquariums that contain live fish, shrimp, and other sea creatures.
In terms of agriculture, Koreans use minimal chemicals in farming.
In addition, Korean cuisine is famous for its kimchi dish, which consists mainly of vegetables, cabbage, garlic, ginger and spices, and ensures that the body is supplied with vitamins A, B and lactobacilli (beneficial types of bacteria).
Koreans visit hot springs and baths with their families, colleagues or friends, believing that the saunas and springs maintain their youthful appearance until old age.
South Korea actively combats smoking, placing smoke-free signs at transit stations and near subway stations, cultural sites, restaurants and shopping malls.
Exercising is one of the important rituals in Singapore, where gyms are common (networking sites)
Singapore..fresh food and sports
Singaporean cuisine combines the culinary traditions of many peoples around the world, serving Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, Indian and English cuisine.
In this country, people pay great attention to food, and buy only fresh, high-quality products.
Singapore imposes unfair taxes on alcohol and cigarette smoking.
Exercising is an important ritual in Singapore, with gyms, fitness equipment, swimming pools and other places to spend leisure time around every corner.
The Spanish diet is based on the Mediterranean diet (Getty Images)
Spain.. Naps, diets, buffoons and active retirees
"We work to live, we do not live to work" is one of the most popular proverbs in Spain.
In a related context, the Spanish diet is based on the Mediterranean diet, which includes greens, fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts and legumes.
Experts say that following such a diet for 5 years significantly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, tumors and even allergies.
The Spaniards believe that the secret to the high life expectancy lies in the fruit of the jamun (a delicious black tropical fruit similar to a plum) which is rich in fatty acids similar to those found in olive oil.
In general, eating this fruit helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
Spanish retirees also lead a dynamic life, visiting museums, going to cafés and attending a rock concert.
Residents of this country believe that all ages are suitable for learning foreign languages, playing musical instruments and practicing different types of sports, including extreme sports such as motorcycling.