Type Ashton

A new research study from Brown University School of Public Health found that even the richest Americans face shorter lifespans and healthspans than their European counterparts.

The analysis compared data from more than 73,000 adults in the U.S. and different regions of Europe who were age 50 to 85 in 2010 to determine how wealth affects a person’s chances of dying. The results revealed that at every wealth level in the U.S., Americans have shorter lifespans on average than the wealthiest Europeans; in some cases, the wealthiest Americans have survival rates on par with the poorest Europeans in western parts of Europe.

Furthermore, the study found that Europeans generally have greater healthspan—the period of life spent in good health—compared to Americans too.
In other words: Americans die earlier at all wealth levels and spend more years with disease or disability.

The cause is multifaceted, including differences in diet, access to preventative and curative treatments, and greater levels of physical activity and *movement*.

Consider this: Another study from the NIH found Europeans walked about 382 km/person/year versus 140 km in the U.S., and bicycled 188 km versus 40 km.
That matters because 30–60 minutes of extra daily movement from commuting, errands, and stairs can affect weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk far more consistently than a few intense gym sessions per week surrounded by an otherwise sedentary lifestyle.

Europeans don't necessarily exercise more intensely than the U.S. Instead, Europeans move more consistently across their entire lives — and that consistency shows up with greater health outcomes for those later in life.

And I witness it everyday. When I’m walking around my village in the Black Forest, I see far, far more adults over the age of 70, 80 and 90… that are leading much more active and independent lives than those in the US. Elderly persons cycling to their social activities or walking with their shopping trolly to the grocery store and back.
In the US losing your driver’s license is functionally the end to your autonomy…. But it isn’t here. Here, you can continue to meet friends, enjoy public spaces and parks, and continuing to be an active member of your extended community for a far longer period of time.

Health in old age is built by decades of small daily movement — not just workouts.
But yet, for many Americans, exercise is something you schedule. It’s an activity that you pencil into your calendar. Fitness is something you go do. …But in Europe, movement is something you live and more quality life is what you are rewarded with.

Read more about the studies I mentioned here:

www.brown.edu/news/2025-04-02/wealth-mortality-gap

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19164816/

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 783

Type Ashton

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Brent - a fellow American who left the US behind to live in Europe. While I landed in the Black Forest, Brent landed in Lisbon, Portugal. We had a fun time chatting about our favorite foods, cycling culture, and how food has transformed our relationship with local producers and community.

To give it a listen, check out this link here: radiomisfits.com/ded377/

And for more from Brent and his adventures around Portugal, you can check out his Youtube here: youtube.com/@destinationeatdrink946

2 months ago | [YT] | 306

Type Ashton

Okay - I'll admit it, I waited until Monday to "officially" kickstart my 2026 New Year's Resolution. Anyone else? 😂 🙋🏻‍♀️

The last couple of years have been challenging to say the least. I've been working to create a better work/life balance: mainly, growing a channel while also making sure I am as equally as dedicated at home.

But for 2026, my goal is to help increase the reach of my content. I want to share my videos with new audiences who might benefit from them and also connect with new viewers who provide valuable perspectives, ideas and feedback in return.

That's why I am putting in new energy and life into my Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels. Long-format videos on Youtube will remain unchanged and still posting every 2 weeks, but I look forward to also bringing in some shorter content with shorts and reels as well.

If you are active on any of these platforms and enjoy my content, I would really appreciate a follow!

Your support truly does make a huge impact in my ability to continue creating and sharing content.

Thanks everyone!
- Ashton

Facebook: www.facebook.com/typeashton/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/typeashton/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@typeashton

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 284

Type Ashton

In honor of the recent announcement of the 2025 Nobel Prize winners, I thought I would share this fun graph from a 2012 study examining the relationship between chocolate consumption and the number of Nobel prize laureates per capita.

And while, I know - I know correlation does not equal causation... this correlation has a 'P value' of 0.0001... meaning there is a less than one-in-10,000 probability of getting results like these if no correlation exists.

So while the rational part of me understands that other factors, like a nation's GDP or the quality of its educational system, are more likely to be underlying causes for both higher chocolate consumption and more Nobel Prize winners... it is a fun and tempting idea to think that chocolate might make you smarter.

So now if you'll excuse me, I'll be over here munching on a square of my favorite Lindt chocolate. 🍫 😋

To read more of the original study, from Messerli (2012) use this link: www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMon1211064

6 months ago | [YT] | 714

Type Ashton

Happy Sunday!

Just a heads up, I am taking a small break for a much needed summer holiday.

My family and I have been soaking up the sunshine, incredible landscapes and friendly cities around Ireland, driving the Wild Atlantic Way for the past three weeks. This has been my first time to the Emerald Isle and I have thoroughly enjoyed it!

Although this vacation was done in true German fashion (logging off and relaxing away from work responsibilities), I did snap a few photos that I wanted to share. Given the last videos topic on food quality and the importance of origin and regional goods - the range and selection of seafood, produce and meats at the English Market in Cork, Ireland was really something special (and delicious). 😍

What’s a local specialty from your area that you particularly enjoy?

My next scheduled video will continue on Sunday, September 15th. See you then!

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8 months ago | [YT] | 359

Type Ashton

New Studio!!

On next week's video you'll notice that something has changed: I have a new Youtube Studio/Office!

This change has been quite literally years in the making. When I moved to Germany in 2018, Jonathan flew over to the USA twice so that we could move all of my belongings in checked baggage on the airplane. In total, we moved six 23 kg bags over those trips... and two of them were books and my most cherished objects.... mostly collected and thrifted mid-century modern pieces from my favorite architects/designers.

(Yes, I moved an entire suitcase of JUST books).

They used to be housed in my University office back in the US. But sadly, we didn't really have a place for them. They had sat in boxes ever since I moved abroad... until today.

I finally found the time (and space) to re-create my office space. I wanted it to feel fun and funky, but professional. Perhaps some eagle-eyed viewers might notice a few fun pieces in the background.

Excited to share with you soon and see the new vibe on the next video.

8 months ago | [YT] | 1,062

Type Ashton

Surprise video coming tomorrow!

Many of you asked for a deep dive into the Trump tariffs, and what this means for trade and international relations within the EU specifically. While I had planned on saving this video for next Sunday to keep with my every-two-weeks posting schedule, the fast pace and rapid change of this legal and market landscape make it really difficult to create content that is critical and research oriented, while still remaining relevant and accurate. Thus, I made the decision to burn the midnight oil and will release the video tomorrow, Sunday April 13th at 9:00 CEST.

What is the endgame for the Trump tariff policy with the European Union? And with trillions on the line, how will future trade partners potentially impact the USA and EU relationship? Tune in to find out.

1 year ago | [YT] | 383

Type Ashton

Happy Sunday!

Apologies in advance - I won’t be as active in my replies in the comments of today’s video. However I will be out and about running the Freiburg marathon!

If you are in Freiburg today and happen to see a runner in an obnoxious amount of pink, wave hello! 👋

I hope you enjoy the video and hopefully some sunshine this Sunday! See you soon!

1 year ago | [YT] | 817

Type Ashton

Happy Sunday!

The freedom of speech has found renewed discussion in recent weeks (thanks in part to the Munich Security Conference and the oval office meeting between the UK Prime Minister and US administration). However, despite recent condemnation from American leadership on how other countries choose to limit it, the United States also struggles within itself to find consensus on when the freedom of expression goes too far. Should the freedom of speech be absolute? Or strategically censored?

And what kind of "sticky" problems does this create in practice - whether you live in the USA or not?

Watch the video in full here: https://youtu.be/AzORB1cW25U?si=8pneE...

1 year ago | [YT] | 90

Type Ashton

If you enjoyed Sunday's video from ‪@ActiveTowns‬, where John and I took a bicycle tour of Freiburg - great news: Part Two debut's today!

I personally had so much fun discussing urban mobility, cycling, and family culture with John and was honored to have him visit my little "neck of the woods" in the Black Forest.

I'll be hopping on the premier tonight at 20:00 CET - so if you want to chat in real time, be sure to hit the "notify me" button and watch together.

https://youtu.be/d8vraIX_xcI?si=zrlgE...

1 year ago | [YT] | 61