Finland, a Nordic country known for its high quality of life, awesome social welfare system, and breathtaking natural landscapes, has one of the longest life expectancies in the world.
People in Finland live quite long, and there are a few reasons for that. In this article we will look into what contributes to Finland’s impressive life expectancy.
Finnish people remain active even in the older ages.
The Statistics
As of now, the average life expectancy in Finland is around 81.9 years, while girls have around 85.
It’s normal for women to live longer than men, and Finland’s life expectancy is a bit higher than the average in the European Union. That shows how well Finland cares for its people and helps them live a healthy life.
Factors Contributing to High Life Expectancy
There are a few key factors that contribute to Finland’s high life expectancy:
1. Healthcare System
Finland has a great healthcare system funded by the government and available to everyone.
They make sure that all residents can get the medical services they need. They focus on preventing diseases, catching them early, and giving effective treatment.
It helps keep people healthy and live longer. Finland also pays attention to mental health, caring for moms-to-be, and ensuring kids are healthy. All of this adds up to a longer life expectancy.
2. Healthy Lifestyle and Diet
The Finnish lifestyle and diet are all about staying healthy and living long. Finns love being active and are into outdoor sports and exercise.
Their traditional diet is full of good stuff like fish, whole grains, berries, and vegetables that keep their hearts strong and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
They also have public health campaigns encouraging healthy living and discouraging smoking and drinking. And guess what? It’s working!
3. Living Conditions and Standard
Finland is always at the top of the charts regarding quality of life. They have a stable economy, and their social security system ensures that most people have their basic needs covered.
It reduces stress and health problems. Finns also have high levels of education, and being smart and literate is linked to better health and a longer life.
4. Environment and Nature
Finland’s natural environment is a big bonus for their people’s well-being. They have clean air, many green spaces, and few people crowded together. All of this helps keep respiratory and heart diseases at bay.
And let’s not forget about their love for saunas! Sauna bathing is a Finnish tradition with many health benefits and helps people live longer.
The Challenges Ahead
So, even though Finland has a pretty high life expectancy, there are still a few challenges that they need to tackle to maintain and even improve that impressive statistic.
1. Ageing Population
Just like many other developed countries, Finland is dealing with an aging population. As the number of elderly citizens continues to rise, the healthcare system faces the challenge of providing sufficient care for age-related illnesses and conditions. It’s crucial to ensure sustainable funding and resources for elderly care.
2. Mental Health Issues
Mental health is still a major concern, especially among young people. Even though depression and suicide rates have been decreasing, they’re still higher than the average for Europe.
Expanding mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues are essential steps towards improving life expectancy overall.
3. Health Issues
Even though the average life expectancy is high, there are issues between different socio-economic groups and regions.
People in lower-income brackets or rural areas might have limited access to healthcare services and healthy lifestyle options.
We need targeted interventions to bridge these gaps and ensure all Finns can access equitable health outcomes.
The Future
The future of life expectancy in Finland will only get better. They’re putting in ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services, promote healthy lifestyles, and address the challenges of an aging population.
On top of that, Finland’s commitment to social welfare and environmental sustainability will continue to support the health and well-being of its people.
Conclusion
Finland’s high life expectancy is an example of how a good environment works wonders. Other countries should note down their secrets for their expectancy to increase.
Even though there are challenges and unpredictable outcomes, it is still impressive. Were you shocked to know these facts? Let us know. Thank you for reading.