Hey, let me ask you something personal: How much of your retirement planning focuses on staying healthy? Have you ever asked yourself what are the healthiest places to retire?
Because what good is financial freedom if you don’t have the health to enjoy it?
Today, I’m revealing the 7 international destinations where your retirement years could be your healthiest yet.
These aren’t just nice places to visit—they’re optimal environments for human longevity.
Places where centenarians are not rare oddities but frequent and celebrated members of the community.
Places chosen by hard data: life expectancy, healthcare quality, diet, air quality, sunshine hours, and more.
One of these countries is even known as the “land of centenarians” among longevity researchers
There is also a prime Mediterranean nation where residents pay just €20 for a doctor’s visit, and can swim in pristine waters nearly year-round.
These are just two examples among these 7 spectacular spots.
I had been to ALL of them, and saw with my own eyes, what their secret is to a happier, longer life there.
So if you’re tired of high healthcare costs and want to maximize your retirement years with great quality of life…
Keep reading.
What Makes These the Healthiest Places to Retire
To pick the healthiest places to retire abroad, I looked at seven key factors that matter for your well-being.
We’ll compare each one to the US so you can see how these countries stack up.
The first factor considered is the life expectancy for a male at 65 years old. In the US, it is 18,6 years.
That means a 65 year old man can expect to live another 18 years and a half, in average.
Other factors we considered are:
Number of Physicians per 1,000 People: More doctors frequently (but not always) mean better and cheaper access to healthcare for retirees.
Average Annual Sunshine Hours: Sunshine boosts mood and health with vitamin D. We’ll see how these sunny spots measure up to Philadelphia in the US.
Air Quality (PM2.5 Levels): Cleaner air reduces breathing.
Obesity Rate: Lower obesity rates point to healthier lifestyles and diets.
Alcohol Consumption: And this is a very curious factor, because the results are quite counter-intuitive.
And, lastly but not less important: Physical Inactivity Rate: Staying active keeps you fit and strong as you age.
Starting our list of the 7 healthiest countries to retire to is…
7. Malta
Life expectancy for a 65-year-old male: 19.4 years.
What if I told you there’s a tiny island where people live longer, healthier lives while paying just €20 for a doctor’s visit?
Malta might be small – just 122 square miles with about 516,000 residents – but it packs enormous health benefits into its Mediterranean landscape. This island nation consistently ranks among Europe’s top performers for life expectancy, with Maltese citizens living to an average of 82.6 years.
But there is so much more there than good numbers and statistics – things that I personally discovered during my travel to there. I mean, I felt in love for this island and I think it is very unlikely you would not love it too.
The secret to Malta’s health success starts with its exceptional healthcare system. Residents simply need an ID card to access free public healthcare, while private consultations remain remarkably affordable. Emergency services operate at world-class standards, with response times averaging just 20 minutes – crucial for retirees concerned about medical emergencies.
With sunshine present for more than 290 days annually, Malta provides the perfect environment for an active lifestyle.
The Mediterranean climate encourages outdoor activities year-round, from swimming in crystal-clear waters to exploring historic walking paths that date back thousands of years.
Unlike many retirement destinations where isolation becomes a health risk, Malta fosters natural community connections. The island’s compact size means neighbors know each other, creating social bonds proven to reduce stress and support mental wellbeing. Crime rates remain exceptionally low, allowing retirees to enjoy evening walks without safety concerns.
I wrote an entire article about this beautiful island called Malta. Check it here.
From Malta, we go to our next country – let me see if you can guess which nation we are talking about.
It is a country where it is common for people to walk at least 30 minutes daily.
- To eat fresh fruits and vegetables with most meals
- To have strong social connections
- And to spend time outdoors in the sunshine regularly.
Can you guess which nation we are talking about?
6. Spain: Where Longevity Meets Lifestyle
Life expectancy for a 65 year old male: 19.5 years.
If community connections impressed you in Malta, wait until you discover Spain’s approach to longevity. Spain is on track to become the world leader in life expectancy by 2030, surpassing even Japan. This remarkable achievement isn’t happening by accident – it’s the result of deliberate healthcare strategies and natural lifestyle factors working together.
Spanish healthcare stands out for its emphasis on prevention rather than just treatment. Doctors actively monitor conditions like hypertension and diabetes, engaging patients in conversations about everyday choices. This proactive approach has helped Spain achieve one of Europe’s lowest rates of preventable deaths. For retirees, this means joining a system designed to keep you healthy, not just treat you when you’re sick.
The Mediterranean diet isn’t just a health trend in Spain – it’s daily life. Nearly half of Spanish women and 40% of men eat vegetables every single day, with even higher percentages consuming fresh fruit daily. This natural nutrition happens without the strict “dieting” mindset many foreigners struggle to maintain.
Physical activity gets woven into daily routines. More than a third of Spaniards walk or cycle to work, and three-quarters walk at least ten minutes multiple days weekly. Spanish cities and towns are designed for pedestrians, making movement natural rather than forced.
Perhaps most significant is Spain’s multigenerational living arrangement – the highest in Europe. These family connections provide emotional support systems that research shows directly impact longevity.
For the next country in our list, we travel all the way to South America, but before, I have some good news.
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5. Chile: South America’s Longevity Leader
Life expectancy for a 65-year-old male: 19.6 years.
Family support systems boost Spanish longevity, but geographic conditions might matter even more for our next destination. Chile’s unusual 2,600-mile coastal geography creates multiple health-promoting microclimates that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.
This unique geography helps explain why Chileans outlive Americans despite having fewer economic resources.
At 80.5 years, Chile’s life expectancy leads all of Latin America and exceeds that of the United States by a significant margin.
What makes this possible?
For starters, the country’s unusual geography provides exceptionally clean air. The Atacama Desert’s dry conditions naturally filter pollutants, while the lengthy Pacific coastline generates oxygen-rich environments that benefit respiratory health.
Chile’s healthcare system takes a different approach than many countries. It emphasizes private institutions that maintain high quality standards while keeping costs reasonable for retirees. This hybrid model delivers better outcomes than many fully public or fully private systems.
The Chilean diet contributes significantly to population health. The nutrient-dense diet centers around fresh seafood harvested daily from the Pacific, protein-rich beans, and locally-grown produce that thrives in the Mediterranean-like climate. Public health initiatives have also achieved a 75% vaccination rate, reducing communicable disease burden substantially.
For North Americans considering retirement abroad, Chile offers a compelling combination of familiar convenience and health benefits. You’ll stay in similar time zones, making it easy to maintain connections with family back home, while experiencing health outcomes that typically add years to your life.
I lived in Chile for a time, and my impressions are in this article here.
The next country, the 4nd healthiest in the world, is also in Europe, and here is another riddle for you.
Picture this: You’re sitting at a seaside café, enjoying a meal rich in fresh vegetables, olive oil, and a glass of locally-produced wine. Your doctor’s appointment earlier cost less than a fancy coffee back home, and later you’ll walk along ancient streets to meet friends who’ve become like family. Your blood pressure is lower than it’s been in years.
This isn’t fantasy—it’s the reality for retirees in this country.
4. Italy: The Original Blue Zone Nation
Life expectancy for a 65-year-old male: 19.7 years
While Chile impresses with its life-extending environment, Italy reveals an even more profound phenomenon – entire villages where living to 100 isn’t just possible, but expected.
What makes Sardinia so special isn’t just its designation as the original Blue Zone; it’s the remarkable fact that centenarians here maintain sharp minds and strong bodies well past their 100th birthdays. These Sardinian elders don’t just survive – they thrive without the chronic diseases that plague most elderly populations.
The Italian healthcare is the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, and provides universal coverage that ranks among the world’s top systems. For retirees, this translates to comprehensive medical care at a fraction of what Americans typically pay, with minimal out-of-pocket expenses for everything from specialist visits to surgical procedures.
Perhaps more important than formal healthcare is Italy’s built-in lifestyle medicine. The concept of “dolce far niente” – literally “the sweetness of doing nothing” – isn’t just a cute phrase; research has linked this cultural practice of intentional relaxation to significantly reduced cortisol levels and protection against stress-related aging. Italians prioritize meaningful rest as essential to health, not as a luxury.
Movement happens naturally in Italian daily life. Rather than scheduling dedicated “exercise time,” most Italians incorporate physical activity into everyday routines. Elderly residents navigate steep village streets, tend personal gardens, and walk to markets several times weekly for fresh provisions. This constant, gentle movement helps maintain bone density, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function into advanced age.
And then there is also the sheer beauty of this country, a beauty that refreshes the soul – sorry for going too poetic, but I cannot avoid expressing my feelings for Italy.
And by the way, if you want me to tell you more about my favourite regions in Italy, let me know in the comment section.
3. Andorra: The Mountain Microstate Miracle
Life expectancy for a 65-year-old male: 19.8 years
Just as Italy’s daily movement patterns contribute to longevity, another European gem takes natural health to even greater heights—literally. Nestled between Spain and France sits a microstate where breathing the air alone might add years to your life, and where finding someone who’s lived past 80 in excellent health isn’t extraordinary—it’s expected.
It is also my favourite spot for skiing in Europe, but this is a topic for another article.
Andorra, this tiny principality covering just 181 square miles, has quietly achieved remarkable health outcomes. With fewer than 80,000 residents, this mountain nation boasts an astonishing life expectancy of 83.9 years, placing it among the global elite for longevity.
The elevation factor is significant. Most Andorran settlements sit between 3,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level, where the air contains considerably lower levels of airborne pollutants. Scientists have measured particulate matter concentrations at less than half those found in neighboring urban centers.
Andorrans don’t need gym memberships. The mountainous terrain ensures residents climb inclines daily, with the average Andorran taking nearly 9,500 steps per day—almost double the average American’s count. This continuous cardiovascular conditioning contributes to the country’s remarkably low 10.6% obesity rate.
The healthcare system deserves special mention. With one doctor for every 256 residents—compared to one per 390 in the US—Andorrans receive personalized care that combines preventive approaches from both French and Spanish medical traditions. Annual checkups are the norm, with physicians spending an average of 19 minutes per patient visit.
2. France: Where Health is an Art Form
Life expectancy for a 65-year-old male: 20 years
Moving from Andorra’s pristine mountains to the rolling vineyards of France, we discover perhaps the most fascinating health paradox in the developed world. French people consume butter, cheese, and wine regularly, yet their cardiovascular disease rates remain stunningly low—a contradiction that has puzzled medical researchers for decades.
This phenomenon, often called the “French Paradox,” defies conventional nutrition wisdom. While Americans count calories and follow strict diets, the French focus on quality ingredients and proper portion sizes. Their approach to food isn’t about restriction but rather appreciation. The typical French meal contains 400 grams of fruits and vegetables daily—significantly more than their European neighbors.
What truly sets France apart is their relationship with mealtime itself. Unlike the grab-and-go culture prevalent in America, the French treat meals as sacred. Lunch breaks lasting one to two hours are common, with families often returning home midday for freshly prepared meals. This regulated eating schedule prevents the constant snacking that contributes to metabolic disorders.
When you visit France, you’ll notice something remarkable about their cities and towns—they’re designed for pedestrians. Daily errands become natural exercise as residents walk to bakeries, markets, and cafés. This built-in physical activity keeps metabolism active without requiring dedicated gym sessions.
The healthcare system also works. Ranked first globally by the World Health Organization, it provides universal coverage at a fraction of American costs. For retirees, this means comprehensive care without financial stress. A routine doctor’s visit costs around €25, while the same appointment might cost $100-200 in the United States.
Of course, I must also alert you that in France, you must do like the French do – if there is one country in Western Europe where learning the language is a MUST, it is France, and I talked more about it in this article here.
And now time for the HEALTHIEST country in the world… ready?
This is a place where three out of four residents walk for at least ten minutes at a time, four to seven days a week. Where healthcare is accessible and affordable considering the local income. Where the rate of early heart disease is a fraction of that of the United States.
1. Switzerland: The Land of Centenarians
Life expectancy for a 65-year-old male: 20.1 years
What country is officially called the ‘land of centenarians’ by longevity researchers and has the highest male life expectancy on the entire planet?
Switzerland has earned this impressive title, with Swiss men living to an average of 81.9 years – the longest for males anywhere in the world. What’s truly remarkable is how the centenarian population is growing, increasing by a stunning 287% over the last two decades alone.
The Swiss have built a healthcare system that delivers exceptional results. While not free, their mandatory insurance model ensures everyone receives care without the excessive waits seen elsewhere. Each Swiss citizen typically waits just 12.5 days to see a specialist, compared to months in many other countries with universal systems.
Water quality in Switzerland reaches near-perfection levels, with 99.8% of samples meeting or exceeding the strictest purity standards. This pristine water, flowing from Alpine sources, provides minerals like calcium and magnesium that support cardiovascular health.
Swiss municipalities strongly encourage regular outdoor activity by maintaining over 66,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails. The average Swiss citizen spends 120 minutes weekly in outdoor physical activities – double the WHO minimum recommendation for health benefits.
Most fascinating is Switzerland’s “compression of morbidity” phenomenon. While elsewhere people might spend decades battling chronic disease, the Swiss typically experience just 8-10 years of health decline before death, compared to 15-20 years in other developed nations.
For retirees seeking the ultimate health environment, Switzerland offers not just longer life, but healthier years free from disability and disease.
Of course this all comes at a cost: Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries on earth.
So if you want to live healthier, live longer, and have great quality of life, better focus on alternatives life Greece, Italy, Spain – and pay especial attention to smaller cities in these countries.
That is why I compiled my MOST IMPORTANT video ever, where I selected the best cities to move to in Europe – it is by far our greatest video, and you can watch it below.
Some of the untold names I mention there have the potential to be your dream destination.
Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. You can find him on X here. Some of the links above might be affiliated links, meaning the author earns a small commission if you make a purchase.
