South West pensioners have the highest life expectancy in England

12:15pm Friday 25th January 2008

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Men in Wiltshire aged 65 years can expect to live another 17 years and women another 20 years according to a new report published today.

This is the highest life expectancy for both men and women in England.

The report, published by the Association of Public Health Observatories compares the health of older people across the English regions. It also highlights that over 65s in the South West have a lower than average number of admissions to hospital for Coronary Heart Disease, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases and circulatory diseases, as well as lower than average admissions for mental health and depression in older men.

In addition, the report says that the region has a comparatively high proportion of older people taking exercise when compared to the England average.

Dr Gabriel Scally, Regional Director of Public Health at NHS South West said: "The South West region has the highest proportion of people aged 65 years . . . Overall, they have a longer and healthier life expectancy which is more likely to be free of disability compared with other regions in England. They also binge drink less and exercise more.

"However the report also highlights that the South West is worse than average for numbers of excess winter deaths and for numbers of older people who drink regularly.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sir Liam Donaldson said: "Though our lifespan is increasing, too many years are spent with ill health and dependency. The findings of this report have great potential to shape policies aimed at improving the health and care of older people around the country."