Dying young: Americans less likely to make it to 50

[BrotherIvan]

6. In my experience, this is true

I just came back from visiting relatives in Denmark and was not surprised to see everyone walking and really focusing on their health. It's a sign of good education to care about one's health where here we focus on possessions (plus everything is very expensive there, so over-consumption is limited somewhat).

And though their food is very rich, with full cream, butter, cheese, meat and fish, some vegetables--but it is winter there so it is more pickles or red cabbage or potatoes--I did not see was a single obese person. Also, speaking to older people, they were mostly disease and medication-free and all had some sort of hobby that kept them moving and active. And that awful universal healthcare whenever they need it!

They also don't believe in working oneself to death and there is still a sense of a worker's dignity with paid family leave and vacation time that would make your jaw drop. Lower stress and a sense of deserving a human standard of living. Were they happier than many people I know here? Yes.