Per the link, US life expectancy is 79.1 vs Norway's 80.5. Top score went to Japan at 82.7 -- but most of the Euro nations were in the 79-80 range. The top 30 countries or so were pretty close. US was slightly poorer in 'gross enrolment in eduction' which is possibly not too surprising given many of the higher ranked countries have much more generous post secondary support. But again -- pretty close. I think the difference between 1 and 30 is probably pretty small. And since this was 2007 data, Ireland and Iceland may be due for a drop in ratings depending how heavily they weight GDP. What's really sobering is looking at the lower ranked countries. Sub 50 life expectancies, little educational support and abject poverty. Ugh!
A conservative bumpersticker of an idea. The question might as well be why do Americans shovel fast food, and refuse to exercise etc. Well let's count ways in which other countries make it easier to have a "healthy life style". 1) Vacations tend to help people exercise, relax, (necessary for good health) 2) They tax gasoline heavily which leads to more transit use, which leads to walking (exercise) and denser cities. 3) Fewer folks fail to get preventive health care due to no insurance. With better health, people tend to exercise more4) The other countries don't subsidize giant SUV's like GOP heroes like Dubya (until recently) did. I know, Americans as rugged can-do types should be able to overcome all the disencentives for a healthy lifestyle built into by conservative economics. But of course the cradle to grave welfare state of the other advanced countries which discourages "personal responsibility" will inevitably cause them to be unhealthy.
Maybe we just like to live somewhat unhealthy. I know I do. If beer, pizza, rock and roll, cigarettes and a pickup truck shave .7 years off my life, make it an even two. And what kind of incentive do people have to choose to live healthy lifestyle when the government picks up the tab? You have got this completely backwards. GO USA!
Then why do people live a healthier lifestyle in the countries where the government picks up the tab for health care? Obviously, there's some incentive. Possibly living a longer life, or feeling better.
All the snow white, European countries you liberal douchebags love so much? Or like Japan with the government enforced waistline sizes? I'm sure culture has noting to do with it...
Canada, and maybe Australia, are the only two countries on that list I could realistically move to. The language barrier is a big one that many people dont consider when migrating to a new country. Norway and Sweden maybe awesome to live in, but I simply lack the linguistic skills or willingess to pick up a new language at this stage of my life.
its ok to admit who you used to be Shovel Face you wont be here much longer under this nick anyway unless you cease constantly calling people douchebags.
Are you implying that American culture is second rate? How dare you. Love it or leave it, Shovel Face. If you aren't happy with our beloved American culture, feel free to move. There are plenty of people who love our nation and it's culture that won't miss someone like you.
? I think it is far, far superior, especially Texan culture. Earl Campbell, ZZ Top, the Alamo and a god blessed hatred for socialist liberals... I would never move.
Good. BECAUSE WE SOCIALISTS CONSTANTLY MONITOR WAISTLINES. through our extensive spying, we have determined that you are unsuitable for hard (or for that matter, soft) labor or intellectual activity of any kind. you would be a burden upon our communes. good day, sir. the Politburo salutes you.
