Sweden is good for your life expectancy

Healthy life expectancy is increasing in Sweden. That’s real progress, not just movement in GDP by a percentage point or a budget surplus. It’s about real improvement to people’s lives.

Healthy lives are the product of healthy societies. The reverse is also true. Both life expectancy and, more importantly, healthy life expectancy, are plummeting in wealthy countries such as the USA and UK. This also exposes a serious truth about the state these countries are in.

For most of the past century, the majority of rich countries have made outstanding progress on life expectancy. Decade after decade, the outlook just got better and better. A century ago the average life expectancy was about 50 years but today you can hope to live into your 80s. But now many of these great success stories have reverted – life expectancy has stalled or decreased and the period of healthy life is getting shorter.

Source: World Health Organisation

Wondering how your home country compares on healthy life expectancy?

You can access the full data compiled by the World Health Organisation on health statistics per country at this link. Comparisons of life expectancy and healthy life expectancy are available both regionally and globally.

What is Sweden doing differently?

High life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in Sweden are driven by a strong, tax-funded universal healthcare system and can also be attributed to a clean environment, high social cohesion, and effective preventive care for the elderly.

Advanced Healthcare System: Sweden has a top-ranked, universal healthcare system that provides accessible, affordable care to all citizens, significantly reducing mortality rates.

Preventive Care & Lifestyle: There is a strong focus on preventative health measures, including “physical activity on prescription” for the elderly to reduce injuries. Swedes generally have lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Reduced Mortality Rates: Major advances in treating circulatory system diseases, with death rates falling by 50% in recent decades, have significantly boosted life expectancy.

Environmental Quality: High standards for environmental cleanliness, including excellent air and water quality, contribute to better public health.

Social Factors: A high degree of social trust, community cohesion, and high voter turnout contribute to overall well-being.

Interested in finding out more about relocating to Sweden?

We provide expert advice for those recruited internationally by Swedish companies or just considering moving to Sweden.

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Our consultation meetings provide a realistic view on what you can expect in Sweden as well as advice on the practicalities of moving here such as work permits, accommodation and schools. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011.

Image Credits: Lieselotte van der Meijs/imagebank.sweden.se

Relocate to Sweden provides expert advice and hands-on help for companies recruiting internationally or transferring staff to Sweden. We help your international recruits with the entire relocation process including immigration, home finding, tax consultancy, registration with Swedish authorities, schools, health care and intercultural training. We also provide private relocation services. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 if you would like help. You can also read more about our relocation services at www.relocatetosweden.com or follow us on social media for tips and advice.