Life expectancy averages between 67 and 73 years. The main meal consists of soup, meat or fish, salad, and potatoes. Pastries or ice cream are eaten for a late-afternoon snack. Bread, dairy products, and canned fish are plentiful. Most foods are readily available.
People purchase bread several times a week, sometimes even daily.
Only those who live far from a store eat bread that is more than two days old. Pork is more popular than beef. With the switch to a market economy, more food is available in greater variety, but prices are high and many families spend much of their income on food. Bridge is a favorite card game. Attending cultural events and visiting friends are common recreational activities.