As of: February 13, 2024, 1:16 p.m
By: Rena Föhr
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Life expectancy in Germany could be better.
New studies reveal causes and solutions.
“Beer is a staple food,” they say humorously in Germany.
But it doesn't help you live longer.
In a Western European comparison, the life expectancy of German men is in 14th place out of 16, while women come in second to last place.
However, among the frontrunners are Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain and France.
In a nutshell: the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index
A possible reason for the long lifespan of the local population is the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE).
In a recent British study, this was once again said to have a positive effect on health and life expectancy.
The Mediterranean lifestyle can be summarized with the following factors:
Mediterranean diet: Lots of vegetables and fruit, whole grains, fish and seafood
Mediterranean Diet Habits: Low added sugar and salt, time and attention to eating
Physical exercise, social life and sociability
In this country we eat comparatively unhealthier foods.
Alcohol and nicotine consumption among Germans is also above the average for OECD countries.
The rate of cardiovascular disease is also worrying.
Mediterranean cuisine and conviviality contribute to a long life.
© Science Photo Library/Imago
The Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) writes in a press release that the moderate life expectancy is surprising given the high expenditure on the German health system.
Prevention and early detection therefore need to be improved.
Sebastian Klüsener, research director at BiB, sees a need to catch up, especially in the area of cardiovascular diseases.
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What can you do to live longer?
However, there are things we can do ourselves to increase our life expectancy.
The following tips will help:
Exercise
: Around 150 minutes of physical activity per week is a guideline.
Healthy eating
: We have already explained the Mediterranean approach.
By the way: Japanese food is also considered extremely healthy.
The country has the highest life expectancy in the world.
Social life and community
: German society is characterized by individualism.
But having enough contact with loved ones is important for well-being and a long life.
Health care
: All patients have the right to early detection.
This applies to cancer prevention, but also to a general check-up, which insured people between the ages of 18 and 24 can use once and every three years from the age of 35.
Finally, a suggestion for a healthy evening: After a session in the gym, treat yourself to a delicious meal in an Italian (or Japanese) restaurant with your best friends.