20.10.11
Life expectancy gap increasing
The gap in life expectancy between the North and South of the UK is increasing, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
According to the data published yesterday, the gap between the local areas with the highest and lowest life expectancies increased between 2004-6 to 2008-10. The area with the highest life expectancy was Kensington and Chelsea in London, where expectancy for men was 13.5 years higher than the lowest area, Glasgow. Women in Glasgow had a life expectancy 11.8 years lower than in Kensington and Chelsea.
London was the area which showed the greatest overall improvement, although life expectancy at birth has improved on average across all local areas by 1.2 years for men and 1 year for women.
Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK, said: “We welcome the continued improvement in life expectancy which sees more of us living longer lives than ever before. Men are now expected to live to 78.2 years compared to 77.9 from last year’s figures and women see an increase from 82 to 82.3 years.
“What is concerning and seems ever more widening is the gap between life expectancy for people in different areas across the UK. This disparity reflects the inequalities that exist, particularly in relation to people’s health, in certain areas of the country.
“Life expectancy and most importantly, quality of life are dependent on a co-ordinated approach to address housing, income and healthy living. It’s also vital that people in later life have choice and access to the services and products that they require and that meet their needs regardless of where they live in the UK.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]