Analysis of life expectancy across England reveals a stark divide, with residents in the healthiest neighborhoods attributing their longevity to factors like reading, walking, and access to leisure facilities. Conversely, in areas with the lowest life expectancy, such as Blackpool, residents point to issues like drug abuse, readily available cheap alcohol, and fast food as significant contributors to premature death.
The King's Fund, a health and social care think tank, reported that Blackpool has the lowest life expectancy in the country, with men dying an average of 10 years earlier than in the healthiest areas. Men in Blackpool have an average life expectancy of 73.7 years, and women 79.1 years. This contrasts sharply with areas like the Hart district in Hampshire, where men can expect to live to 83.7 years and women to 86.2 years. In Kensington and Chelsea, London, women's life expectancy averages 87.1 years.
Residents in high-life expectancy areas often praise their surroundings for promoting active lifestyles. They cite plentiful green spaces, parks, and countryside that encourage exercise and outdoor activities. The availability of leisure centers and libraries is also mentioned as crucial for keeping individuals physically and mentally engaged as they age. Furthermore, access to good healthcare services and readily available GP appointments are frequently highlighted.
Jane Nicholson, 60, from Hart, noted the abundance of active spaces, including a golf club and leisure centers, alongside excellent healthcare. Adrian Mann, 79, who moved to the Hart area, observed many people in their 80s active in the town center and noted the local cemetery was full of individuals who had lived into their 90s. He attributed this to clean air, numerous walking paths, parks, and facilities catering to older residents.
In contrast, life in Blackpool is marked by social problems. Residents describe seeing drug addicts using heroin in the streets, homeless individuals intoxicated in public, and a shortage of NHS dentists. The availability of cheap fast food, with burgers sold for £1, and inexpensive alcohol, with pints of beer as low as £1.69, are also cited as detrimental factors. Tegan Milner, 23, an expectant mother, expressed concerns about safety, stating she doesn't feel safe going out at night due to public intoxication and drug use.
Plasterer Jamie Hornby, 54, commented that the low life expectancy in Blackpool was unsurprising given the prevalence of drug use and public intoxication. He added that while the seafront has been cleaned up, drug users are still visible near public toilets. Colin Stead, 65, noted the significant poverty in the area, leading many to opt for cheaper, less healthy food options.
The King's Fund report highlighted that while life expectancy in England has reached record levels, these gains are not evenly distributed. Geographical inequalities reflect socioeconomic disparities and higher deprivation levels in northern regions, a situation described as a "mark of shame" by Veena Raleigh, a Senior Fellow at The King's Fund. The report indicated that people in the most deprived areas have experienced little to no improvement in life expectancy over the past decade, with inequalities widening since 2010. Addressing these health inequities, Raleigh stated, is not only a matter of social justice but would also reduce pressure on the NHS and the economic costs associated with ill health.