01 February 2024 , 14:29
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Shocking figures have revealed that a female in Kensington and Chelsea is likely to live nearly 13-years longer than a man from Blackpool, as a top doctor says the postcode health lottery "must not" continue.
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, male life expectancy is highest in Hart, Hampshire, at 83.7 years. This contrasts dramatically to Blackpool, Lancashire, where male life expectancy is lowest at just 73.4 years.
Meanwhile, female life expectancy is highest in London’s Kensington and Chelsea at 86.3 years, compared to the lowest in Blaenau Gwent, Wales, where it is 78.9 years. Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), clinical lead at London Medical Laboratory (LML), discussed the concerning statistics.
He said: "Where in the UK we were born shouldn’t doom us to a shorter life than other Brits. The difference between life expectancy figures for a Chelsea girl and a Blackpool boy are unacceptable. Regular health tests and screening would be powerful tools to ensure that females born in Blaenau Gwent and males born in Hart live equally long and healthy lives."
The doctor criticised the "clear" North-South health divide, noting that out of the 10 local areas with the highest male life expectancy, nine were in the South of England. While all 10 areas with the highest female life expectancy were located in the South.
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He added: "The English regions with the highest and lowest male life expectancy, respectively, were the South East (80.1 years) and the North East (77.2 years), a gap of three years. The English regions with the highest and lowest female life expectancy, respectively, were the South West (83.9 years) and the North East again (81.2 years)."
The LML reports that in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, life expectancy at birth in 2020-22 was actually lower than in 2017-19 for both men and women. "It’s important to note that the ONS concedes that a fall in period life expectancy does not mean that a baby born in 2020-22 will inevitably go on to live a shorter life than a baby born in 2017-19," explained Dr Narayanan.
He added: "Their average lifespan will be determined by changes in mortality rates across their lifetime and, if they improve, then period life expectancy will go back up. Regular health testing could be vital in improving underlying health determinants and results."
The most recent monthly mortality figures, from July 2023, have revealed the leading cause of death in England and Wales was ischaemic heart diseases, accounting for 9.9 percent and 9.6 percent of deaths respectively.
Also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), the condition occurs when the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries, explains the NHS. It is closely linked to wider health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Dr Narayanan said: "There is no reason why the heart of a male born in Hart should be healthier than anywhere else. The latest heart health blood tests accurately identify the chief causes of heart complications.
"No matter where we live in Britain, these tests are readily obtainable and can be used as the basis of treatment plans that could help end the North-South health divide." Many potentially fatal conditions can be identified before people begin to show symptoms, through regular blood testing.
Lifestyle changes to live longer
While life expectancy can be moderately determined by genetics, environmental factors including diet and lifestyle are key. Healthline has shared the best habits to help you live longer, these include:
Quit smoking
The health site reports that smokers can lose up to 10 years of their life and be three times more likely to die prematurely, compared to non-smokers. However, quitting the habit before the age of 40 can prevent almost all increased risks of death from smoking.
Moderate alcohol intake
Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to liver, heart, and pancreatic disease, as well as an overall increased risk of early death, warns Healthline. The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across three days or more.
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Don’t overeat
Research into animal studies has shown that a 10 to 50 percent reduction in normal calorie intake may increase maximum lifespan. The site adds that calorie restriction can limit the risk of excess body weight, which has been linked to shorter lifespans.
It’s important to note that long-term calorie restriction can present negative side effects, such as increased hunger and reduced sex drive.
Exercise regularly
Studies have shown that just 15-minutes of exercise a day could add three years onto your life. Healthline writes: "Your risk of premature death may decrease by four percent for each additional 15 minutes of daily physical activity." The NHS suggests doing at least 150-minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75-minutes of vigorous intensity activity instead.
Avoid stress
It has been reported that women suffering from stress or anxiety are up to two times more likely to die from heart disease, stroke or lung cancer.
For anxious or stressed men, the chances of premature death is up to three times higher, compared to their relaxed counterparts, writes Healthline. It added: "Both laughter and a positive outlook on life can reduce stress, potentially prolonging your life."