A philosopher asks: Is a longer life a happier one?

By Mackenzie Graham, The Conversation

Updated 1537 GMT (2337 HKT) July 23, 2018

The Italian diet, combined with a climate that promotes outdoor activity, is thought to play an important role in healthy aging among Italians.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Italy – The Italian diet, combined with a climate that promotes outdoor activity, is thought to play an important role in healthy aging among Italians.
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Japan has the longest-living population in the world, with the average 60-year-old going on to live until age 86. Experts say this is due to good diets, active lifestyles and supportive family structure.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Japan – Japan has the longest-living population in the world, with the average 60-year-old going on to live until age 86. Experts say this is due to good diets, active lifestyles and supportive family structure.
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Spain's version of the Mediterranean diet combined with strong family networks is believed to enhance life expectancy among its population. In Spain, average life expectancy at age 60 is 85.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Spain – Spain's version of the Mediterranean diet combined with strong family networks is believed to enhance life expectancy among its population. In Spain, average life expectancy at age 60 is 85.
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France also tied second with the other countries in southern Europe with, those over 60 living to the age of 85, on average. Pictured, a couple sit on a bench in Cannes.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
France – France also tied second with the other countries in southern Europe with, those over 60 living to the age of 85, on average. Pictured, a couple sit on a bench in Cannes.
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Diet and outdoor lifestyle in Andorra help to keep the country's elderly population healthy.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Andorra – Diet and outdoor lifestyle in Andorra help to keep the country's elderly population healthy.
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The universal health care system in Australia, combined with Australians' outdoor lifestyle, help people live longer, according to experts. Pictured, a war veteran during ANZAC Day.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Australia – The universal health care system in Australia, combined with Australians' outdoor lifestyle, help people live longer, according to experts. Pictured, a war veteran during ANZAC Day.
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The outdoor lifestyle and health infrastructure are credited with keeping New Zealanders healthy and living longer.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
New Zealand – The outdoor lifestyle and health infrastructure are credited with keeping New Zealanders healthy and living longer.
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Switzerland's wealth and health care system are credited with boosting the nation's longevity.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Switzerland – Switzerland's wealth and health care system are credited with boosting the nation's longevity.
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After Japan, Singapore has Asia's highest life expectancy at age 60.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Singapore – After Japan, Singapore has Asia's highest life expectancy at age 60.
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The extensive wealth of the residents of Monaco is likely to be the main factor supporting health in the elderly.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Monaco – The extensive wealth of the residents of Monaco is likely to be the main factor supporting health in the elderly.
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