re: Why Do Americans have shorter lifespans than other 1st world countries?

We watch the student news each day in my 5th period class and they just did a thing on blue zones around the world and why people live so long there. Places such as Okinawa and Greek islands where people routinely live to be a 100 years old.
1. Low stress lifestyle
2. Less modern convinces, they walk or ride bikes everywhere.
3. Eat whole natural foods that aren't processed.

I had the kids bring in bags of chips, cookies, bottles of ice tea, etc and we looked at the labels. It blew their mind when they saw where they were consuming, one kids said, "it sounds like a chemistry set". Hey I'll be the first to admit I consume too much processed food at times, it happens when I'm super busy with work and the kids. Since last spring I've made a real effort to cut that stuff down, and I feel great. I've only lost about 10 pounds, I've gone from 185 to 175 (5'10 height). It's amazing how you feel when you switch from Doritos to a bag of nuts or some fruit. I've always worked out but now I feel like those workouts are much more efficient and I'm not constantly fighting inflammation.