Where you live has as much impact on your chance to live longer, as does the food that you eat. It influences your lifestyle and is a huge factor for your mental health. Now, you might be wondering, where would you live longer, city or countryside?
The truth is, there is no clear-cut answer to this question. It is easy to peg country living as a better option to extend your lifespan because it is quiet, peaceful, and generally stress-free. Even so, city and country living have their own pros and cons. Let’s delve deeper into them:
How Country Living Affects Your Life Expectancy
The countryside is where you can see the greens everywhere. It is where green fields are expansive and where trees are thick. It’s where the environment is most likely cleaner, so you can expect fresh air and fresh foods; some would likely come from your own backyard.
Country living means being far from extreme traffic and pollution that many cities have. You don’t have to spend so much time on the road in the middle of a traffic jam or crowded public transportation like trains and buses.
The cost of living is also lower than in urban areas. Living with lower population density helps you live longer because you have lower risks of contracting infectious illnesses, such as the common cold and respiratory-related problems.
While country living sounds perfect enough, it also comes with its own issues. Deprivation is one of the downsides of living in the countryside. Since there are fewer people and houses tend to be far from each other, there is a risk of feeling isolated and lonely.
Hospitals and other amenities may also not be easily accessible, which is a disadvantage, especially in times of emergencies. There are fewer doctors that practice medicine in rural areas, and country people rarely have access to robust mental health services.
Studies have shown that fatal accidents are higher per capita in rural areas, partly attributed to slow emergency responses. Country people are also likely to die of unintentional injury, and tobacco and alcohol abuse are rampant. At the same time, jobs, particularly high-paying ones, are limited.
How City Living Affects Your Life Expectancy
If the countryside is so environmentally ideal, why do people stay in cities? In cities, the air is polluted, infectious diseases can spread more easily, and the crime rate is relatively high. People are more likely to feel they live in the rat race, and the cost of living is higher.
Despite these disadvantages of living in the city and specific increases in the risk of mortality, city living can also lengthen your life based on other factors. For instance, you have easier access to health facilities and other amenities. You have plenty of options when it comes to choosing healthy foods to eat. There are also more job opportunities, and with higher income, people tend to live longer.
It is easier to get around, and you can pretty much do everything at any time of the day. Because many establishments are available, you tend to walk more, and that’s exercise without setting aside a specific time. Gyms are prevalent, and bike lanes are also available. In addition, being exposed to germs as you ride public transportation can also bolster your immune system.
City living makes your social life vibrant, as well. It is so easy to see your friends and hang out with them. You are rarely alone in the city. Studies have shown that having a wide circle of friends makes you grow old healthier, and thus, longer. Dementia is one disease that you can help avoid by meeting lots of friends and being active socially.
All these can contribute to your satisfaction in life, making you more mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy.
The Bottom Line
City living and country living both have their own advantages and disadvantages that can affect your life expectancy. Which one is better? It boils down to your personal preferences and what works best for you. If you like peace and quiet and green surroundings, country living is for you. If you like to be surrounded by people and taking up opportunities, city living is for you.
In the end, the place that makes you happier and healthier will help you live longer.
