1. Gardeners
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There seems to be a lot of research suggesting that occupations based mainly outdoors have major health benefits. Part of the reason may be because nature is believed to reduce our cortisol, and stress levels whilst boosting our oxytocin and chemicals that are important for relaxation and our mental health.
2. Farmers
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This is possibly why gardeners AND farmers rated the top of the list. It is also thought to have something to do with the rigid routine of a farmer, and the way they rise perfectly in time with nature and the circadian rhythm as well as the outdoor elements. And, the physicality of the job is good for their health.
3. Dentists
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Dentistry is a very well-paid profession and there was a clear pattern that linked health with wealth. This is because money brings the opportunity to live a healthier lifestyle, and have more relaxation elements to their personal life. And, despite studying dentistry being stressful, the job itself is intense however has less stress than other high-paid work.
4. Aerospace engineers
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Aerospace engineers are a very highly skilled profession which of course comes with a lot of stress and pressure. However, the high pay and the standards of health care that they receive mean that they can afford a good standard of life whilst having regular and stringent checkups.
5. Lawyers
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Again, being a lawyer is by no means a stress-free job, quite the opposite. Yet it is one of the best-paid professions, meaning that lawyers tend to enjoy a good work/life balance. While they may have a period of intense work, they will then counter it with relaxation and high-quality living.
6. Pharmacists
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Pharmacists do not have the first-hand stress of being a doctor or offering treatment or diagnosis. Thus it is not considered a very high-stress job. And, they are paid extremely well meaning that the majority of pharmacists enjoy a good lifestyle, without physical risk and they have stable employment that offers security.
7. Actuaries
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Actuaries are professionals who use math/ stats and theory to analyze and manage the financial risks for insurance companies. Regular mental stimulation is considered one of the reasons that actuaries live longer as their brain continues to be exercised, and there's less stress than in many other high-paying careers.
8. Nurses
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Nurses may come as a surprise when learning that they tend to live longer than other professions because their high-intensity career and first-hand contact with risk would make us think the opposite. One theory is that the emotional requirement allows for nurses to engage better in their own lives and the emotional connections are good for our health.
9. Plumbers
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As a plumber, it's a very physical career in which the person is always moving and working which is believed to be one of the factors that contributes to their long life expectancy. There's also the thought that as a tradesman there is the assurance that their work is always necessary and in demand.
10. Technicians
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It's a similar concept with a technician. Technicians can work alone or in an institution such as a school. But a technician either way usually works without being micro-managed to give them more independence and again, the physical aspect of the job can contribute to good physical health.
11. Professors
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University professors are amongst one of the careers with the highest life expectancy. They have low physical risk, a lot of independence, very good pay, and job security due to being an expert in their field. They have flexible schedules allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
12. Health coaches
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Health coaches also have a very high life expectancy. One reason for this is thought to be that as a health coach, they understand the many different elements of what living a healthy life means. They also have flexibility and power over their own job in terms of the clients they choose and the hours they work.
13. Writers
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Creativity has been linked in many studies as to contributing to mental health and cognitive function as it uses a part of the brain that is sometimes in other fields of work neglected. There are also low levels of stress in relation to other professions.
14. Yoga teachers
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Yoga teachers, perhaps unsurprisingly were one of the highest franking professions in terms of living a long life. Yoga is an art that incorporates the physical body with the mind, both aspects which are absolutely necessary for a healthy life, and so yoga teachers are generally super fit and healthy people.
15. Landscapers
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Here is the link with nature cropping up again. There are clear links between the professions that are most linked to nature and the longevity of life. Another aspect is the creativity that landscapers need. And so in terms of mental and physical health, the profession mixes both together.
16. Religious leaders
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Religious leaders are known for living longer than many other professions. One of the reasons is believed to be the strength of their belief, and that their connection to God provides them with a sense of security that minimizes their worries and allows them to lead more stress-free lives.
17. Teachers
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Teachers were in the past a profession where the life expectancy was generally higher than many others. This seems to have changed over the last few years as the world faces financial crises and resources are below, more stress and pressure on teachers has actually lowered the life expectancy for the profession back down.
18. Artists
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Artists usually work independently which takes away the stresses of being managed by other people. They also allow freedom of creativity which can be much less restrictive and binding than many other professions which is thought to have major mental health benefits.
19. Environmental scientists
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Environmental scientists study and preserve the environment. They have for many years ranked as a profession where individuals tend to live longer. Some reasons for this may be that they have an active community around them and have a lot of mental stimulation.
20. Physical therapists
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Physical therapists are trained to maintain the physical health of people. They have an increased awareness of both the body and its link to the mind which allows for a better lifestyle. It's a physical job, and generally, physios eat a nourishing diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
21. Librarians
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Librarians are consistently measured as some of the longest-living professions. One aspect is their low-stress job, working in a calm environment with very little pressure. Another reason is that librarians are using their brains each day, AND librarians spend more time on their feet than sitting down.
22. Athletes
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This probably doesn't come as a surprise, that athletes tend to live longer. However, this is only certain sports. Boxers and rugby players, for example, do not fall in line with this statistic. Generally, however, athletes live longer due to their increased physical health and fitness.
23. Veterinarians
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Veterinarians are one of the most highly trained professionals. Their wages are also higher than the majority of other professions. Veterinary is also considered less stressful than human care, with less pressure on resources and time. And so the life balance and high wages contribute to a healthy life.
24. Geoscientists
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It wasn't scientists in general that lived longer, it was specifically geo-scientists who again picked up on the importance of nature in contributing to our mental and physical health. They also usually work in areas of nature, away from areas of toxins and pollution.
25. Astronomers
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Astronomers study the cosmos. They produce important findings about the world and space. However, it is generally considered a low-stress job despite having a high requirement of skill. The brain work may be one of the reasons why astronomers usually live longer in proportion to other careers.
26. Mathematicians
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Mathematicians analyze data, solve problems, and have a very skilled profession. As a mathematician, there is high job security due to the requirements and skills being so high. They also often work alongside a close-knit group, without a hierarchy that can produce more stress.
27. Pilots
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In some respects, being a pilot is a very high-pressure job. However, pilots have a high wage due to the training and skills required in the profession. They also usually have a lot of free time in which they can free and recuperate. They are also checked medically every frequently and have access to the best health care.
28. Software developers
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Software developers have low-stress jobs which is well rewarded. However, although they generally live a longer life, there are elements that bring it lower than the top-ranking professions. The amount of time sitting and the lonely environment were two aspects working against the profession.
29. Musicians
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Musicians often rank as some of the most passionate people because they love what they do and believe in their own work. The musician's self-assurance and love for their art contribute to high job satisfaction, which in turn can mean better mental health.
30. Politicians
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Politicians have relatively short careers and usually retire well below the average retirement age. This means that even in highly intense environments, the shorter working life can work in their favor. And, the high pay package means that politicians often live a fairly luxurious lifestyle.