ONS life expectancy report
Published on 09 June 2011 08:30 AM
Responding to figures issued by the Office for National Statistics that reveal life expectancy at birth and age 65 for health areas in the United Kingdom between 2003-2005 and 2007-09, Graeme Francis - Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Age Cymru says:
"These figures confirm what we already know and that is that we are all living longer which is something to be celebrated.
"However, in Powys Heath Board, life expectancy is now 79.5 years for males and 83.2 years for females - whilst in Cwm Taf Health Board area the figures were 75.3 years for males and 79.9 years for females.
"A four year difference on average shows that more needs to be done to address health inequalities and reflects the fact that life chances and services still differ depending on where you live.
"People must have free and fair access to services that maintain and promote their health and prolong their lives wherever they live in Wales.
"Preventative healthcare strategies -such as those promoting healthy eating, physical activity, are vital in helping us stay healthier for longer.
"Such health promotion must include older people, as we still find messages are often disproportionately targeted at younger ages - for example, malnutrition, which is common in later life, is overshadowed by obesity as a public health issue."