See Why Healthcare System of Spain Ranks in Top 10 Worldwide

See Why Healthcare System of Spain Ranks in Top 10 Worldwide

The Spanish healthcare system continues to be world class

A new study from the Healthcare Access and Quality Index (HAQ) shows that Spain is home to the eighth-best healthcare system in theworld. The study was published last week in the British medical journal The Lancet.

The study looked at the healthcare provisions available in 195 countries, measuring several factors related to mortality rates related to issues that shouldn’t be fatal if the patient is provided with proper medical care.

This included analysis of the death rates of 32 recognised illnesses and conditions between 1990 and 2015; along with records of any worldwide improvements.

The good news is that the healthcare systems of practically every country improved over time. There were only a few nations – particularly those where civil war has broken out – that saw a drop in standards.

Spain scored a total of 90 points out of 100, which put it in eighth place globally. Spain was ahead of Italy (89), France (88), Greece (87), Germany (86), the UK (85), and Portugal (85).

The country that took the number one spot was Andorra, which scored a total of 95 points. Iceland came in second with 94 points. Switzerland came in third with 92 points, while Sweden and Norway rounded out the top five countries.

13 of the top 15 countries were from western Europe. The only countries to break this monopoly were Australia in sixth, and Japan, which came in 11^th.

A rather sad statistic is that the average score for all 195 countries was the paltry score of 53.7 points. This number is still an improvement on the 40.7 points seen in 1990, but it is a sign that many countries out there still have an inadequate level of healthcare.

Even though 167 countries out of 195 have improved their healthcare performance, the gap between those that have and haven’t is getting wider. The difference between the top and the bottom country in 1990 was 62 points, while it’s 66 points today.

Spain earned the top score of 100 points for the treatment of diphtheria, tetanus and measles, along with 99 points for maternity and respiration treatment. Spain has plenty of room to improve in treating Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which it scored 64 points for, Leukemia, which it scored 66 points for, and gallbladder disease, which it scored 74 points for.

Spain is the Place to Be This Spring and Here are Three Reasons Why

Spain is the Place to Be This Spring and Here are Three Reasons Why

Spain is a fantastic place to be all the year around

One could forgive expats living in Spain for their ever-present grins. It’s true that there isn’t a place on earth that is free from the ups, downs, and pressures of life. It’s also true that nowhere could be considered truly perfect. There’s a good chance, however, that if you’ve created a life for yourself in Spain then you’ve likely been happy, smiling, active, and feeling generally good most of the time.

The feeling of being in Spain is almost addictive. It’s impossible to not tell your friends about it, even though it will probably just inspire jealousy. The reality of Spain is that it delivers incredible quality of life. While there are some challenges that come with being an expat, it’s understandable that you would want to share why you feel the decision you made was right with the world.

With all that said, we believe Spain is the place to be this Spring, and here are three reasons why.

No Political Bluster

If you were to flick on the news or look at a news website, you’d likely find yourself staring at Donald Trump, Theresa May, Marine Le Pen, or Angela Merkel. 2017 really picked up where 2016 left off as far as headlines filled with vociferous political discourse. It seems almost every headline involves the Brexit, travel bans, posturing from the far-right or, for whatever reason, Angela Merkel and her hands.

Spaniards and the expats living in Spain understand what it’s like to be bogged down by political news. Last year the country was plagued with an election saga that lasted for much longer than most would consider healthy. This year, however, Spanish politics have quietened down. The country finally has a prime minister, the economy is doing well, and things appear to be going to just fine.

The Sound Economy

There is one benefit of staying up to date on politics. That is knowing the difference between real and fake news. One key piece of fake news plaguing Spain is the idea that the Spanish economy is still struggling.

The fact of the matter is that 2016 was an incredible year in which the GDP of Spain grew over 3%. Spain has become the fastest growing economy in Spain. It’s expected the country will see similar growth this year, which has done wonders for unemployment and the real estate industry. The result is that expats can expect it will be easier for them to get a job and a house.

The Easter Festivities

With the weather warming up – reaching temperatures of 20 degrees already in southern Spain – the country comes to life thanks to the bright sunlight and lapping shores of the Mediterranean. The emergence of Spring brings with it millions of tourists who flock to the Costa del Sol for a taste of sunshine. There are only a few weeks left until all the restaurants, bars, beaches, and hotels become full.

Easter is perhaps the major attraction that marks the transition of Spain into warmer summer days. Easter is a major deal in Andalucía, from Seville and Cádiz, to Malaga and all the small towns in-between. The Easter festivities are a great way for expats to sample a taste of Spain.

Why Spanish Women Live Longer than Most

Why Spanish Women Live Longer than Most

The latest research from the medical journal The Lancet shows that the Spanish women that will be born in 2030 can expect to live to the ripe old age of 90.

Its a fact that Spain is one of the best places to live in the world

The current life expectancy for Spanish women is around 84years, but it’s expected that medical advancements mean this figure will rise to 88.1 years in the next few decades – and it could end up being over 90 years.

The study also discovered that the conservative estimate that 90 was the highest average life expectancy is, in fact, too conservative. They expect that the average life expectancy will soon hit 125 years in some places.

Not every nation can expect to live this long though. The USA is the worst performer for life expectancy out of the 35 developed economies in the survey. American women born in 2030 would have an average life expectancy of 83.3 years.

The report suggested there were a range of factors as to why the rich USA couldn’t provide the kind of longevity offered by the countries that topped the list such as Canada, South Korea, Japan, Spain, Australia, Switzerland and France.

The national average life expectancy for women in America has been pulled down by the lack of universal healthcare, and the unusually high rates of child and maternal mortality. Obesity also remains a lingering issue in the country, as does homicide. Men don’t fare much better, and are expected to have an average life expectancy of 79.5 years of age by 2030; which is still below the 82.5 years the average Spanish man of today can expect to live.

So what is it about countries like Spain, Japan, and South Korea that allows them to top the lists? These three nations might have their share of poverty, but scientists remain convinced that the excellent healthcare and healthy lifestyle each country has is the main reason the people there can expect to live so long.

Spain offers incredible liberties for women despite the heavy Catholic influence, making things equal between both sexes. It also has great healthcare. Obesity and cholesterol are beaten by the traditional Mediterranean diet of fruit, vegetables, fish, and olive oil, and the country enjoys a generally active lifestyle. The Spanish are social and outdoorsy. The Spanish family unit is so strong that elderly Spanish people rarely feel lonely because their family is always around.

So, if you want you and your offspring to enjoy a long and healthy life, then it looks like Spain is where you should be – especially if you’re a woman.

Why Spain is a Great Place for Your Kids to Grow Up

Why Spain is a Great Place for Your Kids to Grow Up

Spain and the Costa de Sol will always be a

wonderful place to bring up children due

to the Mediterranean lifestyle and great weather.

If you’ve ever taken a look around the blog then you know that we think Spain is a great place for kids to grow up and we’ve told you plenty of reasons why. In case you missed it here are the main reasons that Spain is the best place for kids to live and grow up.

·        Longer Childhood

No one is quite sure why but that doesn’t change the fact that kids are just kids for longer when they live in Spain. One of the reasons is that peer pressure and social pressure isn’t as big in Spain. Teenagers are allowed to go gaga over babies and toddlers without anyone thinking anything of it. If anything British kids should be allowed to have their childhoods back.

·        Safety

Spain is a country with a relatively low crime rate. There’s no need for parents to be constantly worried about their kids. In Spain you wouldn’t need to think twice if a stranger were to approach your child, talk to them, or even hold your baby. Something that would just never happen in Britain.

·        Healthcare

Spain has a fantastic healthcare system, especially when it comes to kids. Their state hospitals are a great place to give birth. It’s not like in Britain where you could be waiting a long time. They take healthcare seriously and there are practically no waiting times.

·        Language

When an expat child grows up in Spain they will learn at least two languages. They will know their mother tongue and Spanish. They might even learn a third or fourth language depending on where in Spain you are. Learning a new language can only ever be a good thing, especially for a child.

·        The Great Outdoors

Because of the warm weather many people spend more time outdoors than indoors, particularly in the south. There are also plenty of sports facilities everywhere. Playing on the beach and enjoying the countryside is something a child can do every day rather than when they’re on holiday.

·        Family First

Spain has very tight family units. Children in Spain grow up respecting their family members and appreciating what it’s like to be part of a family. They will grow up proud of their family and with respect for their elders. While they might not meet some members of their family as they are in different countries they will enjoy the time they spend together with those relatives more.

·        Food

Staying in a new place means encouraging your children to eat new foods. There are many great dishes kids love in Spain and there isn’t really a “kids menu” in the restaurants. Instead it’s customary for families to just share their plates of food. At home meal time becomes family time. There isn’t even a lot of fast food in Spain. Have you ever seen someone walking eat and eating in Spain?