Yahoo News Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire life expectancy as Scotland's regional figures detailed
New research has unveiled the average healthy life expectancy across various regions in Scotland, with some areas showing significantly longer spans of good health than others.
The team at Harlow Leisurezone fitness centre delved into the latest 'Health state life expectancies' report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to uncover these insights.
Healthy life expectancy is defined as "an estimate of lifetime spent in 'very good' or 'good' health, based on how individuals perceive their general health", with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire included in the rankings, reports the Daily Record.
READ MORE: Aberdeenshire teenager who survived horror crash cycles to Germany for Scotland Euros opener
READ MORE: St Cyrus whisky stores approved despite 'explosion' fears from concerned neighbours
The study found that residents of Orkney enjoy the longest healthy life expectancy in the UK, with an impressive average of 74.35 years, but the figures posed different stories in the north-east.
Aberdeenshire was ranked fifth with an average healthy life expectancy of 66.45 years, while Aberdeen was ranked ninth lowest with 59.8, highlighting a gap of 6.65 years.
Close behind Orkney are Na h-Eileanan Siar and East Renfrewshire, taking second and third place in Scotland, boasting average healthy life expectancies of 67.9 and 67.85 years respectively. Completing the top five is East Dunbartonshire where the figures show an average healthy life expectancy of 66.55.
Conversely, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, and North Ayrshire are at the lower end of the scale, with average healthy life expectancies of 56.7, 56.05, and 55.7 years respectively, highlighting a stark 18.65-year gap between Orkney and North Ayrshire.
The study also highlighted that Scotland ranks fifth in terms of healthy life expectancy compared to other regions of the UK, averaging at 62.3 years.
This places Scotland just behind the South East, South West, London, and East of England, which boast averages of 65.3, 64.5, 64.4, and 64 years respectively, yet ahead of Northern Ireland and Wales, with their lower healthy life expectancies of 62.1 and 61.9.
Harlow Leisurezone's Gym Manager Dave Marrington remarked: "There are many things people can do to live a long, healthy time. A healthy, balanced diet is the first thing to consider.
"Make sure you eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Also keep an eye on your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive salt and sugar.
"Make sure you exercise too. At least 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity will do the job. Bundle that with some strength training exercises at least twice a week and you'll be good to go."
He further suggested: "Don't forget about sleep either. Aim for seven to nine hours of good quality sleep per night, and maintain a regular sleep schedule, along with a restful sleeping environment.
"Finally, monitor yourself. Everybody is different, so find what works for you, and the best way to do this is with regular health check-ups so you can nip any potential problems in the bud."
Average healthy life expectancy across Scotland
Orkney Islands — 74.35
Na h-Eileanan Siar — 67.9
East Renfrewshire — 67.85
East Dunbartonshire — 66.55
Aberdeenshire — 66.45
City of Edinburgh — 65.35
Highland — 64.9
Scottish Borders — 64.7
Perth and Kinross — 64.65
East Lothian — 64.5
Stirling — 64.05
Argyll and Bute — 64
Shetland Islands — 63
South Ayrshire — 62.75
Clackmannanshire — 62.6
Angus — 62.4
Dumfries and Galloway — 62.25
Moray — 62.1
Midlothian — 61.15
West Lothian — 61.15
South Lanarkshire — 61.1
Renfrewshire — 61.1
Falkirk — 60.15
Aberdeen City — 59.8
Fife — 58.4
West Dunbartonshire — 58.3
East Ayrshire — 58.15
Dundee City — 57.05
Inverclyde — 56.9
Glasgow City — 56.7
North Lanarkshire — 56.05
North Ayrshire — 55.7
