Is the healthiest climate the same as your idea of perfect weather?
When it comes to personal preferences, there is little common ground when defining what ‘ideal weather’ means.
Perfect climate – what is it?
Indeed, the concept of ‘the perfect climate’ is extremely subjective.
For some people, the fluffy snow of the Alps in winter is very close to paradise; for others, it is the dry summers of the Mediterranean, while some might prefer the humid tropical heat of Thailand.
What many will agree with is that, when it comes to choosing the perfect place to live abroad, the weather and climate always have a significant influence on our decision-making.
Regardless of how we imagine the ideal climate, experiencing it in real life might change our views dramatically.
For example, suppose you live in the tropics. In that case, you may one day stop noticing the lushness and colors of the surrounding nature and realize with annoyance that everything around you, including your laundry and paper banknotes in your wallet, is always slightly damp.
Or that the dry climate you have been longing for actually means living in a desert with very little scenery.
Or that fairy-tale postcard snowy winters, which can be incredibly cold.
Not only do you need a huge wardrobe to accommodate all the winter clothes, but you also need to spend at least half an hour putting them on before venturing out for a quick run to the closest corner shop.
Whatever our weather preferences, there’s one common question that many of us wonder about – how healthy is our climate? And if it’s not very healthy, how do we go about choosing a better one?
Impact of climate on longevity
We come from the tropical parts of the planet Earth. We've been living in a warm climate for the best part of our history as a species, so it makes sense that we feel most comfortable in warm weather. That's why we bundle up and crave summer when it gets cold!
And it's not just us humans. Several recent research projects have shown many other organisms also find the most stable temperature for their biological processes to be 20°C.
What about cooler temperatures?
Some research suggests cooler temperatures might be beneficial for longevity. Here's why:
- Our bodies work hard to maintain a constant internal temperature. Colder environments may reduce the stress on this system, potentially slowing down aging.
- Studies suggest cooler temperatures might decrease the risks of some diseases linked to aging.
However, it's not that simple. Our longevity is also very dependent on what we eat, how much daylight we are exposed to, and how active we are.
So, the climate that gives us enough sun, an opportunity to be active all year round, and eat fresh, healthy food has the most positive impact on how long we live.
What climate is the healthiest?
When it comes to the weather, just like with everything else, the human body usually appreciates moderation.
While the perfect climate might cause arguments, few people will actually disagree that life seems particularly pleasant when it’s sunny and +20°-23°C (73°F) outside.
This combination is magical: ‘sunny and +20°-23°C (73°F)’ draws us outdoors, makes bad things feel not so bad and good things feel simply amazing, calms and inspires us, puts smiles on our faces, and keeps us more active and positive.
It’s not just our imagination. Strong scientific evidence supports the beneficial effect of ‘sunny and +23°C’ on our health.
Science proves ‘sunny and between 20° and 23°C (73°F)’ is perfect for our health
Surveys of weather preferences show that, for Europeans, the most preferred temperature range is 20° to 26°C, within which 22° to 23°C is simply ideal. Adults, young and old, confirm that this temperature is the most comfortable.
It has little magic; the explanation lies in our biology and body chemistry.
One of the body’s most important tasks is temperature regulation.
When the ambient temperature is too hot or too cold, we use energy to regulate our body temperature.
Our body works like a generator. Only instead of petrol, it uses glucose to produce energy.
We then use the energy to shiver or sweat to maintain a healthy body temperature; although it’s not an excessively taxing job, it still takes a lot of our resources.
It is even harder for our body to regulate its inner temperature in humid climates, as excessive humidity negatively affects our ability to sweat and cool down.
However, there is no physical stress on our bodies when we are in the 20° to 23°C (68° to 73°F) temperature range and a Mediterranean type of climate (dry-summer climate).
Consequently, we don’t need to maintain constant thermoregulation in heating and air conditioning, which depletes our body from energy.
Imagine going for a drive on a very hot day and having to use air-con in the car to make the temperature bearable.
Using the air-con can increase your fuel consumption by up to 20 percent because of the extra load on the engine.
You might also find at this point that your car doesn’t have enough power to drive up a particularly steep hill.
The same happens with our body: it constantly spends precious energy in excessive temperatures to do the air-con role.
However, when the ambient temperatures are comfortable, our body works extremely energy-efficiently as it has no physical discomfort to deal with.
That’s why it stays relaxed, full of energy, and able to be active for longer.
The impact of humidity on our well-being
When the outside temperature goes up and we feel hot, we sweat to cool down. However, high humidity makes it hard for sweat to evaporate, like trying to dry clothes in a steamy bathroom. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity can make it almost impossible for your body to cool down enough, and things can get dangerous.
The exact temperature where this happens depends on humidity. In very humid places, it might only take 109°F to reach that danger zone, but in dry places, it could be as hot as 130°F!
How climate impacts our lifestyle
Warm, dry, sunny weather without excess heat or cold is immensely beneficial for our mental health.
It is common knowledge that people who live in cold climates with less sunshine and longer nights tend to experience higher rates of alcoholism, depression, obesity, and suicide compared with those who live in warm and dry Mediterranean-type climates.
This is because people living in sunnier climates have more exposure to light.
Sunlight has the ability to boost the production of the body’s “happy chemical” – serotonin.
Serotonin is a natural “feel good” chemical that, with the right conditions, can be produced within our body.
As research shows, serotonin influences our mood, appetite, sleep, learning, and memory.
A lack of serotonin can result in depression and overeating.
Some people try to make up for the lack of serotonin by taking drugs and drinking alcohol.
Healthy levels of serotonin in our brain help us control our emotions and feel happier and more positive. Serotonin also improves our learning abilities, memory, and sleep.
Healthy levels of serotonin in our intestines ensure our appetite goes down when we’re eating. As a result, we feel full quicker, don’t overeat, and it’s easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Also, when it is sunny and +23°C, we tend to spend more time outdoors being active. It’s much more pleasant to go for a long walk or play a game of tennis with your friend when it is sunny and +23°C; while if it goes above 26°C, most of us would probably prefer a chaise lounge and a nice patch of shade to a tennis court.
Funnily enough, it’s self-perpetuating: when it’s sunny and +23°C, you spend more time outside being active and exposed to sunlight, which helps you feel happier, healthier, and keen on spending more time outdoors.
Locations with a healthy climate around the world
So, where can you find such places where the weather is balmy and beautiful all year round?
Well, here is a list of the top locations known for their mild climate for the biggest part of the year:
- San Diego, California - Its mild, temperate climate with an average temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit makes it known as one of the healthiest cities in the United States.
- Malaga, Spain - With over 320 days of sunshine each year and an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, it offers the ideal Mediterranean climate (it does get quite hot in summer, though).
- Auckland, New Zealand - This city has an oceanic climate that couples warm, humid summers with mild, damp winters. On average, it receives sunlight over 2060 hours a year, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts.
- Loja, Ecuador - Located in the Andes Mountains, it flaunts consistent spring-like weather throughout the year with an average temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melbourne, Australia - It basks in a temperate oceanic climate characterized by warm summers, cool winters, and rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year.
- Canary Islands, Spain—Often nicknamed the 'Islands of the Eternal Spring' for their close-to-perfect year-round climate, these islands benefit from the Atlantic's cold Canary Current to modulate their temperatures.
- The Central Valley, Costa Rica, enjoys one of the world's best climates for longevity. Known as a 'blue zone', this region is home to an unusually high number of centenarians. Warm, even year-round temperatures are suggested to promote health and well-being.
European locations with a healthy climate
Are there a lot of places in Europe with a healthy climate?
The good news is that if you’d prefer to retire to Europe, there are locations with absolutely amazing microclimates that can give you a near-perfect climate to support your health.
Here is where to retire in Europe for the best weather and healthiest climate - 5 European Destinations With Great Weather Throughout The Year
Moreover, even if your favorite location does suffer from temperature extremes, remember that when you retire, there is no commute, school runs, babysitting grandchildren, or other obligations that tie you to one place.
Use your freedom and escape the hottest or coldest days in your country of residence to explore other parts of the world.
You might find useful:
- The Best Places To Retire Abroad - if you’re thinking about where you can put your feet up in perpetual sunshine and luxury, here is the list of the best places to retire abroad;
- Best Places To Retire In South America
- Best Countries To Retire In Europe
- A Comprehensive Checklist For Retirees Moving Abroad – what you need to do before you leave the UK. Print out and tick off all those chores as you go along and get them done;
- Visit our homepage for a comprehensive range of Living Abroad guides.
Helpful external links:
- Intraday weather conditions can influence self-report of depressive symptoms - Research Gate study.
- The health benefits of a warmer climate - Stanford University
- Environment, climate and longevity study - National Library of Medicine.
