Malta has been named the best place to retire to for longest healthy years (Image: Getty)
People are living longer than ever, with the average Euopean’s life expectancy rising to 80.6 years according to Eurostat. But when it comes to living the healthiest life for longer, one country comes out on top.
The Mediterranean island of takes the crown when it comes to living a long and healthy life. According to new data from Eurostat, Malta came out on top for both men and women. Women on the island can expect 70.3 healthy life years, while men can expect 70.1 such years.
Healthy is measured by the number of years the average person will live without disabilities or limitations to their daily lives. With the increasing ageing population, maximising the quality of life is key.
The country boasts hot temperatures and crystal clear waters (Image: Getty)
Hundreds of thousands of British Citizens are now retiring abroad with the Office of National Statistics placing the figure at 250,000 for UK pensioners now living in the EU.
With Malta boasting nearly universal health coverage, older adults are less likely to have chronic health issues than anywhere else in the EU.
With hot summers reaching 32C in July and more than mild winters averaging at around 17C, the outdoors lifestyle of Malta may be one of the reasons people are having healthier longer lives.
One of the beautiful beaches in Malta to retire to (Image: Getty)
Other countries in the EU also boast healthy life years. For women, the next best options are (68.9), Slovenia (68.5), Italy (67.8), and Greece (67.8).
Meanwhile, for men, the top five are Sweden (67.5), Italy (67.1), Greece (66.2), Cyprus (65.7), and Ireland (65.2).
Healthy life years make up, on average, 75 percent of women’s life expectancy and 80 percent of men’s, meaning that although men statistically live shorter lives, they spend more of their years in good health.
However, the countries where people shouldn’t expect to be healthy into their 60’s include Latvia, Denmark, Slovakia, Finland, the Netherlands, Romania, Portugal, and Estonia.