Greece is falling behind in life expectancy gains compared to the rest of Europe, where rates have rebounded after the pandemic. Once a leader in longevity, the country now ranks 14th in the EU, down from third in 1990.
The slowdown in life expectancy growth began during the financial crisis (2010-19), with Greece recording the lowest gains in the eurozone. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened the trend, and Greece has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels.
Experts attribute this stagnation to gaps in Greece’s healthcare system, particularly in chronic disease prevention and treatment.
Demographic researchers warn that unless Greece strengthens its healthcare infrastructure, life expectancy could continue to lag behind the European average. The nation’s struggles highlight broader concerns about healthcare accessibility and the long-term effects of economic instability on public health.
However, other sources say to the contrary. Greece has many island destinations which offer total tranquility and a lifestyle that many holidaymakers would love to live all year round. Though hot, the Mediterranean climate is a welcome break from daily routines that cause so much stress.
As with many countries with hot climates, people in Greece stop midday to take a quick, but restorative nap. In some areas, you'll even find shops and businesses closed during this time so employees can take a break. Harvard researcher Dimitrios Trichopoulos says while naps may seem to break the flow of your day, they actually double it, giving you the energy and second-wind to be productive the second half of your day. It's something we could especially benefit from in the hectic pace of life stateside.
Even the Greeks' morning Joe is superior to ours. Boiled Greek coffee is a staple in Ikaria and it's good for more than just shaking off your morning grogginess. Researchers found that Greek coffee is loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants which protect your body from aging and a variety of chronic diseases. Drinkers of this liquid gold were found to have improved endothelial function which protects your blood vessels compared to those who drank other types of coffee.
And their night cap of choice? A mountain tea, made from native herbs like delicious sage, mint, and rosemary. Local physicians say it's as good as medicine. Another tea recommended would be green tea which is considered a healthy drink because it's full of antioxidants, which can help with a variety of health issues.
Don't be fooled into thinking sex is for the young. A good romp is just as fun and beneficial as you get older, and the Ikarians (Greek island Icária) are onto it. In a study of Icarian men between ages 65 and 100, four out of five claimed they were still having sex regularly. What's more is a quarter of those men said the sex was pretty darn good, with them being able to last a considerable amount of time. With the immunity boosting, stress-busting, and anti-aging benefits of sex, it's no wonder they're living so long.
Ikaria, a small Greek island, has been dubbed a "blue zone," one of the few places in the world where people lead healthy, active lives past the age of 100. The percentage of people living beyond 90 in Ikaria is much higher than the average for all of Europe.
Take care!
Prof. Carl Boniface
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