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How Long Did People Live 10,000 Years Ago?

Some 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic Age, the average person could expect to live only about 20 to 30 years. That number might sound shockingly low compared to today’s global average of nearly 73 years, but it’s important to understand what “average life expectancy” really meant back then.

Life expectancy at birth was dragged down by high infant and child mortality. Many babies didn’t survive their first year, and diseases, infections, and accidents took a heavy toll—especially in early agricultural societies just learning to manage food supply and sanitation. But that doesn’t mean few people reached what we’d consider old age. Those who survived childhood often lived much longer, some into their 50s or even 60s.

During the Neolithic period, humans were transitioning from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming communities. While this brought stability, it also introduced new health challenges—poorer diets, crowded living conditions, and increased exposure to zoonotic diseases. These factors contributed to the low averages we see in historical data.

Interestingly, life expectancy didn’t improve dramatically for thousands of years. Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, people still lived an average of just 20 to 35 years. It wasn’t until improvements in hygiene, medicine, and food security—especially in the last two centuries—that human lifespan began to rise significantly.

So while the number 20–30 years might paint a grim picture, it’s not the full story. Many individuals in prehistoric times lived full, active lives. The average was simply skewed by the harsh realities of early life in a time when survival wasn’t guaranteed.

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Where Do People Live the Longest?

Monaco tops the list as the country with the longest lifespan, boasting an impressive average life expectancy of 86.5 years. Nestled along the French Riviera, this tiny principality is home to a wealthy, health-conscious population with access to top-tier healthcare and a Mediterranean lifestyle rich in fresh food, physical activity, and low stress.

But Monaco isn’t alone in fostering long lives. Just behind it are places like San Marino (85.8 years) and Hong Kong (85.6 years), both known for strong social systems, clean environments, and cultural habits that support longevity. Japan, long celebrated for its centenarians, still ranks among the leaders at 84.8 years, thanks to a diet high in fish, vegetables, and mindful eating practices like “hara hachi bu” — eating until 80% full.

South Korea has surged in recent years, now averaging 84.4 years, driven by excellent public healthcare, low smoking rates, and a diet rich in fermented foods like kimchi. Interestingly, several smaller territories appear high on the list — Saint Barthelemy, French Polynesia — suggesting that island living, with its emphasis on community, movement, and natural rhythms, may play a role.

While wealth and healthcare systems certainly contribute, researchers point to deeper patterns: strong social ties, daily physical activity, and diets centered on whole, unprocessed foods. These factors, more than any single miracle, seem to be the real secrets behind the world’s longest-lived populations.

So is it money, medicine, or lifestyle? The answer appears to be a mix — but one thing is clear: living long isn't just about where you are, but how you live.

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Do Vegans or Vegetarians Live Longer? The Answer Isn’t So Clear

It’s a question many ask when considering a plant-based lifestyle: do vegans or vegetarians live longer? While plant-based diets are often praised for their health benefits—lower cholesterol, reduced heart disease risk, and better weight management—there's surprisingly little solid evidence proving they lead to longer lives.

Current research on vegetarian longevity is heavily influenced by bias. Most studies rely on self-reported data from groups already health-conscious, who often avoid smoking, drink less alcohol, and exercise more. These lifestyle factors, not just diet, likely contribute to any observed health advantages. When comparing vegetarians to the general population, it’s hard to isolate whether it’s the absence of meat or the overall healthier habits that makes the difference.

As for vegans, the data is even sparser. While cutting out all animal products can lead to lower calorie intake and reduced risk of certain diseases, it can also pose nutritional challenges—like deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids—without careful planning.

We simply don’t have enough high-quality, long-term studies to say definitively that either diet extends life. What we do know is that diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fruits are linked to better health outcomes—regardless of whether they include occasional meat or dairy.

In the end, longevity likely depends on more than just one’s food choices. Genetics, stress, sleep, physical activity, and social connections all play powerful roles. Rather than focusing solely on labels like “vegan” or “vegetarian,” a balanced, mindful approach to eating—and living—may be the real key to a longer, healthier life.

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