Capital life expectancy up by three years over past decade

Published on Friday 25 September 2009 09:41

PEOPLE in Edinburgh are living three years longer than they did a decade ago, latest figures have shown.

The Capital has surpassed the Scottish life expectancy average and is now the sixth best in Scotland, a significant achievement for an urban setting.

The increased wealth of residents in the city has been credited with the above average rise, while health initiatives over the years also appear to have played a part.

An overall reduction in the number of people smoking has also made a significant impact, but warnings have been sounded that huge disparity remains between the rich and poor in the area.

Dermot Gorman, consultant in public health for NHS Lothian, said: "This is for a whole range of reasons including improved lifestyle, living and working conditions, as well as far better healthcare.

"Even though the new figures show that life expectancy across Lothian is among the highest in Scotland, there is much more that can be done."

The figures, released by the General Register Office for Scotland, showed the average life expectancy in Edinburgh is 79, compared to 76 in 1998.

A gap still exists between males and females in the Lothians, with men averaging 76.4 years and women nearly 81 years.

East Lothian also has an average of 79, while in Midlothian people generally live until 78 and-a-half.

West Lothian finds itself the 20th best out of Scotland's 32 local authorities with an average age of 77.7 years.

The Evening News revealed earlier this year that in some of the city's poorest areas, such as Niddrie, Muirhouse and Wester Hailes, life expectancy is lower than in some Third World countries.

There is a 26-year gap in life expectancy between the most deprived and most wealthy.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "Health in Scotland is improving but not quickly enough and unacceptable inequalities continue to blight the lives of our most deprived communities.

"We have already taken significant action to address alcohol consumption, prevent people from smoking, encourage active living and healthy eating and promote positive mental health."

East Dunbartonshire was the highest with an average age of 80.4, while Glasgow was the worst with only 74 years.

Registrar General for Scotland Duncan Macniven said: "There is still a big gap between the council areas with the longest and shortest life expectancy."

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