Multiple studies have found that women generally live longer than men. What’s their secret? The British website “All About You” recently published an article sharing the longevity secrets of women from nine countries around the world.
Finnish Women: Love Outdoor Activities. In Finland, fitness is a national pastime, with about 70% of Finns enjoying “green” exercise (outdoor activities). Half of Finnish women prefer to walk or bike to work, and even when temperatures drop below zero, Finnish women still head outdoors for brisk walks, hikes, or skiing. Professor Julie Priestley, an environmental and social sciences expert from the University of Essex, states that green exercise can enhance both physical and mental health, improve mood, and reduce stress.
Indian Women: Eat Curry and Spices Regularly. Indian women have a much lower incidence of cognitive disorders compared to most Western countries, possibly due to their frequent consumption of curry. The key active compound in curry, curcumin, has long been used in India to treat rheumatism and abdominal pain. Researchers at the University of California found that curcumin can reduce amyloid plaques in the brain (a hallmark of cognitive disorders) by half. A recent study by the University of Texas also discovered that curcumin can inhibit the spread of breast cancer cells, thereby slowing disease progression.
Chinese Women: Sing to Express Emotions. In Bama, Guangxi, China, 90% of women live beyond 90 years old. Scientists have found that the longevity of local women is related to their skill in using singing to express emotions. Singing helps boost the immune system and elevate mood. Recent studies from the University of California and Goethe University found that elderly people who sing regularly visit doctors less often, take fewer medications, and experience less depression. The health benefits of singing also accumulate over time—the more one sings, the greater the benefits.
New Zealand Women: Love Honey. Research by the UK’s NHS has shown that honey can be used to treat wounds and ulcers, as well as to reduce inflammation, soothe gastrointestinal issues, throat infections, and gum disease. Researchers at the University of Wales found that New Zealand Manuka honey has stronger antibacterial properties and can combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The higher the Manuka factor in the honey, the stronger its antibacterial effect.
Icelandic Women: Eat Fatty Deep-Sea Fish Often. Harsh weather, rugged terrain, and long periods of darkness might seem at odds with a healthy lifestyle, yet Iceland is one of the healthiest countries in the West, with women enjoying a particularly high healthy life expectancy. The secret lies in their diet, which includes plenty of fish. Fatty deep-sea fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent strokes, heart disease, arthritis, and also slow aging.
Italian Women: Bridge Generational Gaps & Socialize Often. Women in a long-living Italian village have cholesterol levels similar to those of babies, and it’s extremely rare for anyone to pass away before age 85. The Mediterranean diet, daily manual labor, and mild climate are key to their health and longevity. The most notable trait of this village is that women are at the center of social life, living in extended families and chatting with children and grandchildren daily. Studies have shown that family and community support, along with frequent communication with friends and relatives, help reduce the risk of illness and prolong life.
Argentinian Women: Drink a Glass of Red Wine Daily. The latest research by Professor Roger Corder, an experimental therapeutics expert at Bart’s Hospital Medical School in East London, UK, found that different types of red wine vary in their ability to reduce arterial damage. Red wine from Mendoza, Argentina—a region known for longevity—contains high levels of the antioxidant polyphenol, which effectively prevents vascular problems. This is linked to the fact that grapes in the region are grown at high altitudes and receive more ultraviolet exposure. The drinking secret of long-lived Argentinian women is moderate red wine consumption, no more than two glasses at a time.
Japanese Women: Drink Green Tea Regularly. The traditional Japanese diet, which includes fish, rice, soybeans, and vegetables, helps lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Among these, soybeans help prevent heart disease, improve bone health, reduce menopausal hot flashes in women, and lower the risk of cancers such as lung cancer. Japanese women also enjoy eating vegetables rich in anti-cancer compounds, like broccoli, and drinking green tea to reduce the risks of heart disease and diabetes. Regular consumption of green tea also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
French Women: Savor Food & Eat Slowly. For years, the phenomenon of “French women not getting fat” has intrigued and puzzled women worldwide. The French diet includes plenty of cream, butter, cheese, and meat, yet compared to British women, French women are slimmer and have lower rates of heart disease. Mireille Guiliano, author of French Women Don’t Get Fat, says that French women pursue truly moderate portions. In France, whether at fast food outlets, restaurants, supermarkets, or even in recipes, portion sizes are smaller. Women eat less but spend more time at the table, savoring the dining experience.