Countries With the Highest Life Expectancy: An Expat Guide
Retirement is a chapter many expats eagerly anticipate. One filled with peace, purpose, and, ideally, a long and healthy life. For those considering a move abroad, life expectancy becomes more than just a number; it reflects the country's healthcare system, lifestyle, culture, and overall quality of life.
Many retirees look beyond sunny beaches or charming cities. They want to know how long people live there and, more importantly, what kind of life they can expect in their golden years.
When planning retirement abroad, it’s not enough to look at life expectancy at birth. What matters more for retirees is life expectancy after age 60—how many healthy, fulfilling years you can expect after you've reached the traditional retirement age.
Experts and organizations often use this metric to assess the quality of life for older adults. It reflects access to healthcare, disease prevention, social stability, diet, and lifestyle—all crucial factors for those looking to spend their golden years overseas, especially in cities with a quality of life that supports healthy aging and social engagement.
On average, people who reach age 60 can expect to live another 20–25 years, depending on the country. This number gives a better picture of longevity and allows you to compare how long people live after retirement in different countries.
Regarding countries with the highest life expectancy, a few names consistently lead the rankings. These nations have invested heavily in public health, support strong cultural habits around wellness and diet, and provide healthcare systems.
Japan has consistently ranked as the country with the longest life expectancy. According to recent data, the average life expectancy in Japan is over 84 years. Women in Japan, in particular, have the highest life span of any female.
So what’s the secret? Experts point to a mix of a vegetable-rich diet, frequent fish consumption, high levels of physical activity, and strong family and community bonds. The Japanese healthcare system is also among the best in the world, offering affordable and accessible care.
Japan offers safety, order, and a strong focus on elder care for retirees, although language and cultural barriers can be challenging for some expats.
Singapore is another standout when it comes to life expectancy in the world. The average lifespan here is about 84 years, and life expectancy after age 60 is among the highest globally.
Its advanced development, innovative healthcare, and government-backed wellness initiatives set Singapore apart. Thanks to early intervention and preventive care, the city-state also has one of the lowest mortality rates due to chronic disease.
Despite its fast pace, Singapore offers a high quality of life for retirees, especially those who appreciate clean cities, great food, and efficiency. It’s also one of the few wealthy nations in Asia with strong protections and infrastructure for aging populations.
South Korea has made huge leaps in life expectancy, jumping to one of the highest life expectancy rates in recent years. Today, the average number of years a person lives in South Korea is nearly 83, and life expectancy at age 60 continues to climb.
The rise in South Korea’s longevity is tied to rapid economic co-growth, access to healthcare, and diets that prioritize vegetables, fruits, and fish.
Though stress and high-pressure societal norms have impacted mental health, the government has responded with active policies supporting elder wellness and medical access.
Beyond East Asia, several other countries also score impressively in life expectancy rankings. Expats often choose these peer countries for their strong healthcare systems, relaxed lifestyles, and excellent public services.
Australia offers outdoor living, high-quality healthcare, and a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. Its average life expectancy is around 83 years, and men and women enjoy long, healthy lives.
For many expats, Australia’s multicultural society and stunning coastal cities make it a desirable place to retire. The country’s investment in elder services and healthcare support helps drive its longevity rates.
With an average lifespan of over 85 years, Hong Kong consistently ranks among the top globally for the longest life expectancy. The densely populated region strongly emphasises preventive health, and its residents benefit from a dual public-private healthcare system.
While housing costs are high, retirees who prioritize life expectancy often consider Hong Kong for its medical infrastructure and accessible transport.
Italy is known for its Mediterranean diet, strong sense of community, and relaxed pace of life—all of which contribute to its high life expectancy. The average number of years lived is about 83.
Italians enjoy fresh food, walkable cities, and a culture that values family and social connection. Italy’s healthcare ranks well among European systems, and many expats find the lifestyle particularly attractive in regions like Tuscany and Sicily.
An unexpected but increasingly popular choice, French Polynesia, including islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora, boasts high life expectancy figures for a region with a relatively small population.
The tropical environment, access to fresh food, and slower pace of living contribute to better mental and physical health outcomes. Retirees looking for a peaceful island life may find a balance of quality and longevity here.
This small island, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, surprises many with its long life expectancy. Reunion benefits from France’s social systems, including access to European-standard healthcare, and has a diverse culture influenced by Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Spain ranks among the countries with the highest life expectancy, averaging around 83 years. Known for its Mediterranean diet, strong public healthcare system, and outdoor lifestyle, Spain is a top destination for expats looking for sun, sea, and long, healthy lives.
With its clean air, active lifestyle, and top-tier healthcare, Switzerland boasts a life expectancy of over 83 years. The country’s emphasis on wellness, preventive care, and overall development makes it an appealing choice for retirees seeking stability and high living standards.
While the United States doesn't lead globally in life expectancy rankings, it remains an attractive destination for expats, especially retirees, seeking high-quality healthcare, modern infrastructure, and cities with a high quality of life.
From 1950 to 2024, life expectancy in the U.S. has grown from about 68.2 years to roughly 79.25 years due to decades of healthcare innovation, improved living conditions, and better awareness of chronic disease prevention. Projections suggest this upward trend will continue modestly, with life expectancy expected to reach around 79.4 years in 2025.
The U.S. is a solid choice for many expats, especially those who prioritize wellness and medical access. Chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes still top the list of causes of death, but advances in diagnostics and treatment have led to better outcomes overall.
Many expatriate retirees also choose the US for its ease of communication, social opportunities, and world-class medical services. By having international health insurance, expatriates can further enhance their peace of mind, ensuring access to specialized care and emergency services.
In short, while the U.S. may not top the global charts, it offers a promising environment for expats looking to live well and longer.
Choosing where to spend your retirement years is about more than just great weather or beautiful views. It’s about finding a place to thrive. Exploring the countries with the highest life expectancy can give you a clearer picture of where you’ll enjoy a longer and better life.
If you’re serious about living longer and well abroad, consider getting the right support. WellAway offers global health coverage tailored to expats, helping you access the best healthcare and services no matter where you decide to live.
Remember: it’s not just about how long you live. It’s about how well you live. Plan smart, dream big, and choose a destination that supports your health and happiness.