If you know – you know
When I moved first to Switzerland, I was shocked to see how amazing people who are over 60 years old look. Even now 7 years later, it still surprises me and decided to look deeper into that.
Why Swiss people age backwards?
According to the data, Switzerland consistently ranks among the top 3 longest-living nations in the world, with an average life expectancy of 84.4 years (OECD). And what is crazy in many Swiss cantons, it’s even higher: such as Zug (85.2), Nidwalden (84.8), and Appenzell AR (84.6).
But numbers only tell part of the story.
The rest lives in the culture, the history, and the everyday habits that shape Swiss life.
Now I am very curious why when I go to the gym at 6:30 am I am doing sport together with people 2 or even 3 times my age. By the way I am 27 😊and I have never seen it anywhere.
Movement as a Lifestyle, Not a Workout
In many countries, movement is something you schedule, for instance: a gym class, a workout routine or a New Year’s resolution that lasts maximum until February.
In Switzerland, movement is simply… life.
People walk.
Everywhere
To the train.
To the bakery.
To the lake.
To work.
To lunch.
A lot of people I know go to work by bike, and we are not talking about 5 or 10 min bike ride, it can be 40 min our even 1 hr.
📊 Swiss people walk more than almost any other nation in Europe.
According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office:
- 42% of all daily trips in Switzerland are done on foot or by bike.
- The average Swiss person walks over 9,000 steps per day, without “trying.”
Movement is not a task it’s a rhythm of life for Swiss people.
Historically, this mindset comes from Switzerland’s geography. For centuries, villages were built into steep mountainsides, and daily life required a lot of walking, climbing, carrying, and generally adapting to nature.
Movement wasn’t a choice, it was a must for the survival.
And I noticed that this legacy is still visible today. Modern Switzerland is designed in a way that quietly encourages some movement: perfect sidewalks, almost everywhere bike lanes, endless hiking paths, and public transport that naturally makes you walk at least 5-10 minutes. The entire infrastructure nudges you to move without thinking about it, and that is the secret.
The result? Swiss people don’t “exercise” in the way many countries define it. They simply live – and movement happens automatically and naturally.
Why 70‑Year‑Olds Hike Faster Than 25‑Year‑Olds
This is not an exaggeration. If you’ve ever hiked in Switzerland, you know the truth:
The older the Swiss person, the faster they move.
And there’s data to back it up.
📊 Switzerland has one of the highest rates of active seniors in Europe.
- Over 70% of Swiss people aged 65– 74 engage in regular physical activity.
- Many continue hiking, skiing, and cycling well into their 80s ( again remember me in the gym surrounded by people 70+).
There are countless real-life examples:
- In 2023, Swiss media reported a 92 year old woman who still hikes the Rigi every summer.
- In Appenzell, it’s common to see 80 year olds walking mountain trails that leave tourists out of breath.
- In Valais, seniors in their 70s still ski every winter – and often better than people half their age.
I feel like in Switzerland hiking is not just a hobby, it’s a national identity.
It is like a tradition passed down through generations.
Nature as Identity
In Switzerland, nature is part of almost daily life. People grow up with mountains, lakes, and forests close by, and these places become normal parts of their routines – and not something reserved for weekends or holidays.
For a long time, Swiss villages were spread across valleys, connected by footpaths. People walked these routes every day as part of their normal routines. That history created a lasting respect for the environment, and it still shapes how people live today.
Fun Fact:
📊 Switzerland has over 65,000 km of marked hiking trails – roughly the same distance as flying from Zurich to Sydney and back.
These paths link villages, lakes, ridges, and forests, making it easy for people to be outdoors without planning or effort.
A Culture Built on Outdoor Rituals
If you live in Switzerland, you quickly notice:
People go outside in every season.
Rain. Snow. Fog. Sunshine.
I hear a lot of people in Switzerland say: “There is no bad weather, only wrong clothing”.
This mindset comes from centuries of living in a climate that demands resilience.
Swiss population loves to engage in outdoor activities like:
• Sunday hikes
• After‑work lake walks
• Skiing from childhood
• Biking to school
• Lunch breaks outside
• Forest walks
And when you live in a place where nature is part of your routine, not an escape from it, you start to understand why Swiss people carry such a calm, steady energy. The outdoors isn’t a destination here.
It’s a lifestyle.
Swiss Longevity: The Numbers Don’t Lie
What really shocked me, Switzerland consistently ranks among the longest living nations in the world, and the data is surprisingly clear.
📊 Switzerland’s life expectancy: 84.4 years
One of the highest in the world.
📊 Centenarians (100+ years old) are increasing every year.
According to Swiss demographic data:
- The number of people aged 100+ has tripled in the last 20 years.
- Many live independently well into their 90s.
What’s impressive is how many people stay independent well into their 90s. You notice it everywhere, older people walking to the bakery, taking the bus alone, doing their shopping without help.
📊Driving a car with 90? Normal thing in Switzerland.
It’s common and actually legal for Swiss people to drive into their 80s and 90s, as long as they pass regular health checks.
I feel like in Switzerland, longevity isn’t a luck, it’s a lifestyle that supports the body for decades.
Aging Backwards: The Swiss Formula
If we had to summarize the secret, it would be this:
Move often.
Move naturally.
Move with joy.
Live slowly.
Live intentionally.
Live close to nature.
Swiss people don’t try to age backwards.
They simply live in a way that keeps them young.
If you know – you know.
If you want more daily Switzerland content, stories, and creative insights, you can follow me on Social Media
And if you’re curious, you can also read my post: Five Real Laws That Make You Go “Wait… What?”
With love Daria
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