What South Korea can teach the US about longevity
CNN • • health
Key Points:
- South Korea has seen a significant increase in life expectancy, gaining nearly 8 years from 2000 to 2021, while the United States has fallen behind many developed nations in longevity.
- South Korean school lunches emphasize nutrition with vegetables and fermented foods like kimchi, contrasting with many American children’s diets, where nearly half do not eat vegetables daily.
- Research highlights that physical activity, social engagement, and mentally challenging pursuits contribute to cognitive health and longevity, as exemplified by South Korean “SuperAgers” and social media personality Park Mak-rye.
- South Korea’s healthcare system prioritizes frequent, affordable preventive care, whereas the U.S. system tends to focus more on treating disease rather than prevention, impacting overall health outcomes.
- Experts recommend Americans adopt small, manageable lifestyle changes such as increasing plant-based foods, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances to improve health and longevity over time.