PEOPLE in Suffolk can expect to live longer than their contemporaries in other parts of the country, figures released by the county's health bosses reveal.
PEOPLE in Suffolk can expect to live longer than their contemporaries in other parts of the country, figures released by the county's health bosses reveal.
The statistics for life expectancy, being discussed at today's NHS Suffolk board meeting, rank Suffolk 13th for men out of 152 primary care trusts (PCTs) in the UK and 14th for women, with the county topping the table for the eastern region.
The countryside, fresh open spaces and healthy attitudes help people in Suffolk live longer, say leading commentators.
Men in Suffolk are expected to live to 79.5 years old, a figure up from 78 in 2002/04 and women can expect to live until they are 83.6 years old, which has increased from 82.1 years old in 2002/04.
The latest figures are based on the National Centre for Health Outcome Development's three-year averages for 2006/08. In the UK the life expectancy for men is 77.4 years, and for women it is 81.6 years, based on the same three-year period.
Peter Bradley, director of public health at NHS Suffolk, said the figures reflect Suffolk as a 'fantastic' place to live.
He said if people cut out smoking, reduce their alcohol consumption, eat healthily and exercise regularly it is possible to improve your life expectancy by around 14 years.
He added: 'Things like a person's physical environment, social network, employment prospects, housing and low crime rates all play their part.'
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