Since moving abroad I’m shocked at how unhealthy the UK lifestyle is compared to EU countries
IN the New Year, many of us will start switching to healthier habits and the best place to look is our European neighbours, where many people live longer than in the UK.
When I moved to Portugal in the summer of 2020, I soon noticed that there were small, accessible things that locals did which probably accounted for their better life expectancy.
In 2024, while the average Brit made it to 81.92 years, the Portuguese on average reaches 82.80 years.
This is why, after four years of seeing firsthand how those on the continent live differently to those back home, I think it is...
Sunshine
This is probably the key difference when it comes to lifestyle, with many places in southern Europe enjoying over 300 sunny days per year.
It means a natural boost in vitamin D for inhabitants, which is beneficial for everything from mood to bone density.
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The good weather also means that physical activity naturally increases, with more temptation to get outside to move your body - which has also been linked to longevity.
However, the locals aren't sunning themselves too much - they'll limit sunbathing and slather on the sun cream to ensure they don't risk skin cancer.
Food
From paella in Spain to the cheese in France and the pastel de nata in Portugal, it is possible to eat unhealthily in Europe for sure.
However, the locals tend to consume such delicacies in moderation - and often from scratch.
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There will be an emphasis on eating whatever they want, as long as it's homemade from fresh or good-quality ingredients, which make a dish naturally healthier.
What's more, while convenience food does exist, it's not as prevalent - and it's normal to sit down to dine rather than grab something on the go, which is better for the digestion.
Movement
I've generally found that Europeans are far less sedentary than us Brits - and it's not that they're spending hours at the gym.
They'll simply incorporate more small bursts of physical activity into their day, something helped by the good weather.
Just like there's less convenience food, it's also less convenient to shop - with online shopping rather nightmarish compared to the UK.
This means that many Portuguese locals, at least, will have to get out and about to run their errands in person.
Socialising
Research has shown that spending more time around others can aid life expectancy.
I've found that human interaction is very easy to come by in southern Europe, where 'café culture' reigns supreme - something helped, once more, by the weather.
What's more, in Lisbon where I live, you will often see older people leaning out of their windows for some fresh air or playing cards in the park - because socialising here isn't all about drinking alcohol.
There is also more spontaneity when it comes to socialising, as well as a calendar of religious events and local festivals that bring people together in a more relaxed way.
Work
By which I mean, better work-life balance, which I've seen to be far better in Portugal than back in the UK, and certainly contributes to wellbeing.
Indeed, the national stereotype of the locals is that they work to live rather than live to work.
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They will carefully plan their annual leave and look forward to it all year, with many amenities closed for the entirety of August.
Additionally, there is a habit of clocking off on time, with Portugal the first country in Europe where it is illegal for bosses to contact their employees outside of work hours.