We already know that lifestyle choices can help influence how long you live. But where you live may also factor into your longevity.
Consider this: in 2019, the U.S. landed at No. 40 for life expectancy when compared to other countries, according to the World Health Organization. With America's advanced healthcare system in mind, an average life expectancy of 78.5 years, prior to Covid-19, was pretty low.
But there are some states where residents have a better chance at living longer lives, and it may be due, in large part, to their healthy lifestyles.
Life Extension, a company that aims to "extend the healthy human lifespan," compiled federal data to determine the best states for longevity based on life expectancy at birth and eight lifestyle factors:
- Exercise
- Healthy diet
- Healthy weight
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
- Social isolation
- Proximity to parks
- Amount that people spend on outdoor recreation
States ranked high not only because of long life expectancies, but also if their residents live a healthy lifestyle.
The No. 1 state for a long, healthy life: Hawaii
It's not surprising that Hawaii landed the number one spot as the best state for longevity. The Aloha State's life expectancy at birth is 80.7 years, which exceeds all other states and is three years longer than the national average.
But it wasn't life expectancy alone that helped the state rise to the top. Two-thirds of their residents report that they eat fruits and vegetables every day, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And 82.6% of them also say they have a park or school within a half-mile of their homes, the CDC's data shows.
Top 10 best states in the U.S. for a long, healthy life
- Hawaii
- Minnesota and Vermont (tie)
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Utah
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- California
- Oregon
Washington has the second-highest life expectancy, but it was displaced by Minnesota and Vermont for the No. 2 spot on this list due to lifestyle factors.
More than 80% of Vermonters say they've exercised within the past month. While, around 70% of people who reside in Minnesota claim they get sufficient sleep.
Still, Washington didn't lag far behind, snagging the fourth spot, largely because of its high life expectancy and its residents' low levels of stress. Less than 30% of those living in the Evergreen State report symptoms of anxiety.
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of factors influencing longevity, particularly as it pertains to lifestyle choices and geographical considerations. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and analysis of data related to life expectancy, health, and well-being. Allow me to delve into the concepts presented in the article to provide a comprehensive overview.
The article emphasizes the significant impact of lifestyle choices and geographical location on life expectancy in the United States. The data, primarily sourced from the World Health Organization and Life Extension, sheds light on key determinants of longevity, such as exercise, diet, weight management, sleep quality, stress levels, social isolation, proximity to parks, and outdoor recreation spending.
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Life Expectancy Rankings:
- The World Health Organization's 2019 data positions the U.S. at No. 40 globally for life expectancy. This seemingly paradoxical ranking, considering the advanced healthcare system, prompts an exploration into the influence of lifestyle factors.
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Life Extension's Criteria for Longevity:
- Life Extension, a company dedicated to extending the healthy human lifespan, utilizes federal data to assess longevity. Their criteria include life expectancy at birth and eight lifestyle factors: exercise, healthy diet, healthy weight, sleep quality, stress levels, social isolation, proximity to parks, and outdoor recreation spending.
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Top State for Longevity: Hawaii:
- Hawaii claims the top spot for longevity with a life expectancy at birth of 80.7 years, surpassing the national average by three years. The state's residents exhibit healthy habits, with two-thirds reporting daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 82.6% have convenient access to parks or schools.
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Top 10 States for Longevity:
- The article lists the top 10 states for a long, healthy life, with Hawaii at the pinnacle. Other states in the top tier include Minnesota, Vermont (tie), Washington, New Hampshire, Utah, Colorado, Massachusetts, California, and Oregon. These rankings consider both high life expectancies and residents' adherence to healthy lifestyle practices.
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Factors Influencing State Rankings:
- Lifestyle factors play a pivotal role in determining state rankings. For instance, Vermont and Minnesota secure high positions due to a significant percentage of residents engaging in exercise and getting sufficient sleep, respectively. Washington's fourth spot is attributed to its residents' low stress levels.
In summary, the article underscores the multifaceted nature of longevity, where lifestyle choices intertwine with geographic considerations. It provides valuable insights into the states where residents not only live longer lives but also lead healthier lifestyles based on a comprehensive set of criteria.
