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Is it in the sun and the climate? The paella or fresh fish? Or just the relaxed living environment? Spain was officially declared the healthiest country in the world last year!
Especially at this time of year, the weather differences with the Netherlands and Belgium are quite large. Where it currently looks like autumn in the north of Europe with a lot of wind and wet, here in Spain we are already enjoying wonderful spring weather. Average daytime temperatures are really around 18-20 degrees with occasional delicious peaks to 25. If you sit out of the wind in the sun, it can get quite warm.
Is good weather essential for a healthy living environment?
We can only say YES to that. The sun does something to people… Everyone is a little more relaxed, there is no need to rush. Furthermore, you naturally spend more time outside which has many benefits. For one reason, bacteria and viruses outside do not have much chance of infecting many people at the same time. Furthermore, you breathe much more fresh air and as a result you sleep better and you feel fresher in the morning.
The best climate in Europe
It was already known that Spain has the best climate in Europe. Of course, this heat also has a positive effect on health. It is already known for many diseases that the heat is beneficial and the complaints are greatly reduced, such as rheumatism, asthma, fibromyalgia, but also mentally refreshes you. You can safely shake off the winter depression here in Spain.
For the climate you also have zones within Spain that are slightly better than the others (for a good climate all year round). And don’t worry, you don’t necessarily have to be in Benidorm to spend the winter. The south of Spain, for example, is a well-known region for lots of sun, or the Costa del Sol. In addition, the area between Valencia and Murcia (Costa Blanca and Costa Calida) is wonderful to stay all year round.
Why is Spain the healthiest country?
Not only the sun that shines, makes Spain the healthiest country in the world. There are, of course, more factors that have been looked at and measured in this. Such as diet, health care, life expectancy and the environment were examined in the total of 169 countries, which ultimately also influence health and quality of life. The Netherlands and Belgium are much lower in this ranking. For those who want to know where the Netherlands and Belgium are in this index, that is the 15th place for the Netherlands and Belgium is only in 28th place.
Mediterranean lifestyle
The Mediterranean diet has long been praised and associated with health. The combination of lots of fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, nuts and fish together with a glass of wine turns out to be not only a tasty but also a healthy combination. That is why Spain and its Mediterranean neighbor Italy are in number 1 and 2. People often also eat less processed food and less red meat. The Mediterranean diet with many good fats is more favorable for cardiovascular disease than, for example, a low-fat diet. Enjoying food comes first!
Also, the fact that in Spain the main hot main meal is eaten in the afternoon and then another lighter meal in the evening. In addition, the social and mental benefits are great too. You can take a break from work and take your time to enjoy your food, as opposed to eating a sandwich at your desk. Then you can take a “power nap” or mini siesta, and you are fully recharged and ready to go on with your day 
Never walk alone
A healthy lifestyle also includes exercise. Spaniards are still used to walking a lot. Besides the ordinary walking from A to B, walking is also consciously used as a movement and this is also the cheapest way of exercising. In the morning hours but also in the evening you see people of all ages walking together. Couples, friends, young, old, it is a very social event. Also in the weekends many Spaniards go to the countryside and mountains to hike here. Furthermore, many fitness equipment has been placed in the many parks in Spain, which are also eagerly used. All in the open air of course.
Good healthcare
Contrary to popular belief, health care in Spain is of a high standard. Public health care scores highly and is easily accessible to all residents. There are many skilled doctors, nurses and other specialists. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of pressure on this system in Spain, which means that waiting times at the various specialists can increase. It is also measurable that the average age in Spain is currently 83.5 years and it is expected that this will increase further in the coming years. For comparison, the average expectation in the Netherlands is 81.7 and in Belgium 81.5 years.
Enjoy the best of 2 worlds
Not everyone feels the need to change tack and emigrate right away. You can also combine the best of 2 worlds and occasionally enjoy the Spanish climate and culture plus integrate a piece of the Mediterranean lifestyle at home in the Netherlands or Belgium. Do you eat your main meal in the afternoon on the weekend? Walk around the block in the evening after dinner or start your day with a nice walk?
If so… even more reason to take the plunge and buy your own dream home in Spain 
Sources:
– World´s healthiest countries 2020
– Bloomberg healthiest nations 2019
– CBS Europese Meetlat levensverwachting
– CBS Bloomberg healthiest nations
