Raise your glass to Southern Europe
"We have more older people in Europe than younger people already," says Harper. In the continent as a whole, more than half the population can expect to live into their mid-eighties, particularly in the south -- helped by their Mediterranean diet.
What if you sat down to dinner and discovered that the savory food was nothing more than sweeteners, color additives, chemicals, and animal by-product meal?
Would you eat it?
"Even if people take up a Mediterranean diet in older age, it can have health benefits," says Beard. The highly regarded diet traditionally consists of a small amount of wine, fresh vegetables, olive oil and, again, little meat and saturated fat.
Does this beach paradise hold the secret to long life?
Does this beach paradise hold the secret to long life?
Harper says the diet is better than ones rich in meat, fried foods and alcohol. "It's just a healthier option than what people in northern Europe tend to eat," he says.
A recent study found that people consistently consuming a Mediterranean diet were both physically and mentally healthier as they aged.
Italy, Spain and France have populations with an average life expectancy of 85 after passing the age of 60 and Beard thinks their cultures and warmer climates have a role to play.
"There's a culture of physical activity, and the climate is one that makes that relatively easy," says Beard. In countries with cold, harsh winters, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes a challenge.
Israel also has a life expectancy of 85 at age 60 and Glaser speculates this is most likely due to the diet. "So much morbidity at older age is due to heart disease," she says.
The social nature of these populations also comes into play. "Social relationships are important in these countries and family ties are strong," says Glaser. She believes that when people have a greater sense of belonging to a community, or family, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, their health improves.
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