Strolling down Calle de Jordán in central Madrid offers a glimpse into the full cycle of life. You'll encounter a fertility clinic, reflecting Spain's anxiety over its low birthrates, and just a block away, there lies a center for pensioners, offering memory training and mobility support. It's not uncommon to see elderly women in their 60s guiding their 90-plus-year-old mothers to its doors. Such scenes underscore a broader trend in southern Europe: an impending rise in life expectancies that could see these nations surpass the traditional longevity leaders. By 2050, countries like Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal might boast some of the longest-living populations in the world.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington has recently projected life expectancy by country for the year 2050. Topping the list are wealthy nations such as Switzerland and Singapore, along with East Asian longevity champions like South Korea and Japan. However, surprisingly, the projections also favor relatively poorer southern European countries. The gap between health and wealth is most notable in this region, challenging the conventional wisdom that richer countries naturally cultivate healthier populations.
Take Spain, for instance. Set to enjoy an average life expectancy of 85.5 years by 2050, Spain is on track to outlive Denmark, despite being less wealthy. Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living woman at 117, hails from Spain, a testament to the area’s exceptional longevity statistics. The well-known Mediterranean diet—rich in fish, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and olive oil—is often credited for this, but experts argue that today's Mediterranean countries don't strictly adhere to these ancient eating habits.
Dan Buettner, who has extensively studied regions known for their long-living populations, often referred to as "blue zones," points out that diets have evolved. Fifty years ago, people in these areas consumed what could be termed as "peasant food," dominated by grains, beans, and tubers. A study on Sardinia’s blue zone mentioned diets including "hunger foods" like acorn bread and cheese made from insect larvae. It's unlikely you'll find these on today's dinner tables, but the so-called "cultural inertia" from past eating habits still influences present health outcomes.
Besides diet, another key to longevity lies in movement. Spaniards, for example, clock in an average of 5,936 steps per day, leading Western Europe in physical activity, according to a 2017 study. Densely populated urban areas, unlike sprawling suburbs, encourage walking. Countries like Italy and France also benefit from this urban design.
America could learn a thing or two from Spain when it comes to city planning. Studies have found that cities with higher population density like New York and Boston fare better in levels of physical activity compared to more spread-out cities like Atlanta. Spanish neighborhoods consistently promote walking, integrating necessary amenities within a 15-minute walk for most residents. This everyday movement translates to lower obesity rates and mitigates mortality from obesity-related diseases.
But the secret to longevity isn't just measured in steps or the strict adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Social interaction plays a colossal role. Cities designed around plazas and communal spaces naturally foster social gatherings. People frequent these spaces to eat, drink, and chat, even if that means consuming less-than-perfectly healthy treats like beer and salty ham. According to a recent Gallup poll, 76% of Spaniards feel "very" or "fairly" supported by their community, illustrating the robust social fabric that contributes to their wellbeing.
Family ties also remain strong, often as a consequence of economic challenges that make it difficult for younger people to move out of their parents' homes. This intergenerational living arrangement fosters close relationships, providing emotional and physical support, which is crucial for longevity. While Spaniards might be dissatisfied at work—as the Gallup poll suggests, labeling Spain "the worst place to work"—they score high on social support and familial connections.
This social cohesion extends to the elderly as well. Older adults often stay integrated within family units, contrary to countries where the elderly might live in nursing homes or separate communities. Regular interaction with family and friends ensures a support system that helps mitigate the stresses and loneliness that often come with aging.
Contrary to more affluent nations, southern European countries don't score highest on happiness metrics—those accolades go to Denmark and Finland. However, they excel in long-term life satisfaction, valuing enduring social bonds over short-term happiness spikes. It’s a different approach to well-being, one that places a premium on long-term, sustainable satisfaction.
So, what does this all mean moving forward? As the world grapples with aging populations, countries can glean valuable lessons from Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France. Urban planning that encourages walking, social spaces that foster community interaction, and strong family ties all contribute to a healthier, longer life. While wealth undoubtedly plays a role in health outcomes, the southern European example highlights the importance of cultural and social factors.
Dan Buettner’s insights resonate here: "To understand why people age, look not at today's habits but at those of half a century ago." This perspective underscores the enduring influence of past lifestyles on current health. As modern diets and lifestyles continue to evolve, the challenge will be to retain those beneficial elements from the past while adapting to new circumstances.
The streets of Madrid, bustling with intergenerational activities, stand as a microcosm of this phenomenon. As societies around the world continue to age, these lessons are not just academic; they are practical blueprints for a healthier, longer life. And who wouldn't want to take a leisurely walk down Calle de Jordán and explore what might just be the secret to longevity?