LONDON, Jul 8, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A British study finds those who live in
southern England have significantly longer life expectancies than those in the
north and Wales.
Life expectancy at birth on average is the highest it has ever been, at 77.2
years for boys and 81.5 years for girls, The Times of London reports. But the
Office of National Statistics says there are marked regional and class
differences.
East Dorset in South West England has the highest life expectancy, with men
having a 77 percent chance and women an 85.9 percent of surviving to 75. In
Manchester, 68.8 percent of women live that long, while the rate for men is 53
percent.
The poorer parts of London are an exception to southern longevity.
Government health officials say smoking rates are higher in the north, diet is
poorer and people are more likely to be overweight.
Officials say the longevity gap between men with professional jobs and unskilled
laborers has been widening since the 1930s.
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