Six year life expectancy gap
Published on 29 June 2011 08:00 AM
Responding to media reports today that there is a six year life expectancy gap between some of Wales' local authorities, Age Cymru spokesman Iwan Rhys Roberts says:
"A six-year gap in life expectancy between different local authorities in Wales is a concern and action is needed to address this inequality.
"Preventative healthcare strategies - such as encouraging healthy eating, being physically active, quitting smoking and only drinking alcohol in moderation, help to promote people's health and prolong their life expectancy.
"People also need access to information, services and activities that allow them to make informed choices about maintaining their health.
"Health checks, screening programmes and preventative services for older people should also monitor uptake by different groups of older people and take action to reach out to those who under-use those services."