For years Japan has dominated the league table for world life expectancy. The streak triggered much research into the reasons behind this, so others could hopefully snatch some of that longevity for themselves.

According to the Independent, a study in 2016 found it’s largely down to the Japanese diet.

‘[The Japanese] eat diets high in certain carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits as well as fish and meat. Such foods make for a diet low in saturated fats, processed foods and high in carbohydrates gained from both rice and vegetables.’

Other reasons brought up by studies and articles on the subject include a hygiene-conscious culture, an accessible health service and the active lifestyle of older Japanese people who often continue working past retirement age.

However, as written in the Guardian, Japan could be about to lose their crown to another country. If current trends continue, by 2040, Spain will top the league tables, breaking Japan’s streak. The average age in Spain is predicted to become 85.8 years, with Japan lagging behind by just 0.1 year.

According to the article, the answer lies once again in what the population eat, as the Spanish reap the benefits of the famous Mediterranean diet and keep alcohol consumption down.

Japan’s predicted fall from number 1 to a still very respectable second place, seems to be down to Japanese men in particular. Rates of obesity have risen for men but not women, and smoking could also be a factor.