The secret of the place that surpassed Japan to become the "longest-living country" in the world

According to analysis from United Nations data published by the Daily Mail (UK) on August 18, Monaco has just been named the country with the highest percentage of people over 100 years old in the world, surpassing Japan, which has long been known as the "land of longevity".

Amazing record

The secret of the place that surpassed Japan to become the

Monaco surpasses Japan to become the "longest-lived country" in the world (Photo: Getty).

Despite having only about 38,000 inhabitants, this small country on the Mediterranean coast has recorded 950 centenarians per 100,000 people, a number far exceeding Japan (98) or Uruguay (85). This is considered an overwhelming gap, making Monaco the "longest-lived country" in the world.

Globally, there are currently around 600,000 people living to be over 100 years old. Japan, though outnumbered in terms of proportion, still leads in absolute numbers with around 120,000 centenarians.

Why do Monaco people live long?

Monaco is famous for being home to the super-rich: 32% of the population are millionaires. Wealth brings superior living conditions, from modern healthcare , adequate nutrition, to a clean living environment.

In addition, the mild, less volatile Mediterranean climate also contributes to protecting the long-term health of residents. According to experts, excellent health and social security policies, low smoking rates, and modern medical achievements are important factors that help Monaco rise to the top.

Professor Karin Modig (Karolinska Institute, Sweden) commented: "People over 100 years old often age more slowly than normal, and many people almost never suffer from any serious illness throughout their lives."

Another study also showed that only 4% of centenarians had suffered a stroke before the age of 85, while the rate for the group who died at the age of 90-99 was 10%. This shows that the long-lived group has a special ability to avoid or delay illness.

The secret of the place that surpassed Japan to become the

The Monaco diet is rich in plants (Photo: Getty).

While socio -economic factors cannot be denied, diet and healthy lifestyle habits also play a decisive role in the longevity of Monaco people.

- Mediterranean diet: Monaco people regularly consume omega-3 rich fish, olive oil, fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 30%.

- Eat less red meat, limit processed foods: The diet of Monaco people is rich in natural foods, low in refined sugar, helping to prevent obesity, diabetes and cancer.

- Drink red wine in moderation: A glass of red wine a day provides resveratrol - an antioxidant that helps protect the heart.

- Regular physical activity: Monacoans maintain the habit of walking, swimming, rowing and practicing yoga. Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week helps reduce the risk of premature death by 20-30%.

- Good stress management: With a high standard of living and a comprehensive health and social security system, people are less exposed to economic pressure. This helps them maintain a positive mentality, an important factor in healthy aging.

Lessons for other countries

Experts say that the impressive longevity in Monaco is not just a “privilege” of wealth, but also a result of a combination of nutrition, environment and lifestyle.

Dr. Dan Buettner - author of a series of studies on "Blue Zones" around the world - emphasized: "The common point in communities with many long-lived people is that they maintain a plant-based diet, daily physical activity and have strong social connections."

That means anyone can apply these tips:

- Eat lots of green vegetables, fish, seeds and vegetable oils.

- Drink enough water, get enough sleep.

- Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco.

- Stay optimistic and maintain healthy social relationships.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/bi-quyet-cua-noi-vuot-nhat-tro-thanh-quoc-gia-truong-tho-nhat-the-gioi-20250819083048155.htm