Most people are lucky. They live up to 100But two women have lived longer than that, joined the world’s greatest men – and both are from France.
Jane Calment He is believed to be the world’s oldest man who has roamed the earth for 122 years. And recently, a French nun named Sister Andre is the oldest living nun in the world as of January 17. She passed away at the age of 118..
Given the nature of supercentenarians, Jean-Marie Robin, an expert who studies the relationship between health and aging, says it’s hard to know exactly what helps people live past 100.
But there are some factors that could give France the upper hand in extending longevity, says Robin, director of research at the Institut National de la Santé et la Recherche Médique (INSERM) in France.
Here are some reasons why people from Hexagon can have some bonus years.
Why do the French live longer than residents of other countries?
1. Education is free.
“The most educated people live the longest,” says Robin. “They value more longevity [and] More good health. They have better knowledge of what to do. [and] What not to do if you want to be healthy.”
People who get more education have a better understanding of what foods to eat and what exercise to include in their daily lives to maintain longevity, Robin said.
2. Access to health services is free.
Countries with the highest life expectancy, including France, Japan and Denmark, all offer free healthcare.
“And that’s an important difference,” Robin said when comparing life expectancy in different countries, “and here we lose countries like England, the Netherlands and the United States.”
3. Better food choices
Jeanne Calment and sister Andre were born in the south of France a Mediterranean dietRobin says. The Mediterranean diet prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood and healthy fats – while limiting or cutting out red meat, dairy and sweets.
When you compare the north of France with the south of France, there is a two-year difference in life expectancy, which is possible. Partly due to diet. Weather is also an important factor, he said, as winters and winters in the south of France are less harsh than in the north.
Regarding diets in other countries, Robin said, “People are eating too. [much] Fat and salt.”
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