In the UK, life expectancy varies drastically depending on where you live.
While some cities are seeing an increase in longevity, others like Glasgow and Blackpool are struggling with alarming statistics.
Local residents in these cities aren’t surprised by the low life expectancy, pointing to factors like unhealthy lifestyles, addiction, and poor diets.
The Growing Life Expectancy Gap
Across the UK, the outlook for children born today is better than ever.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), baby boys can expect to live until 86.7 years, and baby girls could reach 90.
But in cities like Glasgow and Blackpool, life expectancy is considerably lower.
In Glasgow, girls are expected to live only 78.3 years, which is more than a decade below the national average.
Even worse, boys in Blackpool are predicted to live just 73.6 years.
Glasgow: A City Struggling with Mental Health and Addiction
Glasgow, once a thriving industrial hub, has faced long-standing challenges with addiction, poor mental health, and a general decline in health.
Many locals believe these issues play a significant role in the city’s low life expectancy.
Jennifer Keane, a 36-year-old dog walker, stays healthy thanks to her active job but sees others struggling.
She encourages people to take a hard look at their lifestyle choices and make changes for the better.
Teacher Dorothy Gillies, now living in York, is not surprised by the statistics.
She attributes the city’s poor health to a shift in eating habits, noting that busy lifestyles prevent many from cooking home meals.
Lorraine Matonti, a 65-year-old beauty therapist, lives in a more affluent area, Giffnock, where life expectancy is much higher.
She believes that education and a supportive environment contribute to a healthier life.
The ONS Data: A Troubling Picture
The ONS data highlights the growing divide in life expectancy across the UK.
In wealthy areas like Kensington and Chelsea, girls can expect to live until 86, while in places like Blackpool and Glasgow, life expectancy is significantly lower.
Analysts point out that life expectancy in Scotland remains the lowest in the UK, with figures standing at 76.79 years for men and 80.77 years for women.
Poverty and Health in Glasgow
The challenges in Glasgow are often linked to poverty.
Unemployed Ella Sanderson, 22, shared her fear of living in Glasgow, citing concerns about safety and the prevalence of drugs and alcohol.
Marjory Maclean, a 65-year-old education worker, also highlighted the role poverty plays in the city’s poor health record.
She feels that local government doesn’t do enough to help people in need, contributing to the ongoing issues.
For some, like nurse Christine Taylor, the problems facing Glaswegians are not surprising.
She points out that, while health has improved in many ways, long-standing issues from previous generations still affect the city’s overall wellbeing.
The Impact of Lifestyle in Blackpool
Over in Blackpool, which now has the lowest male life expectancy in the UK, locals point to a combination of cheap alcohol, fast food, and a lack of stable jobs.
Many believe the seasonal nature of the town’s economy leads to financial instability, especially when the tourist season ends.
Kurt Walsh, who owns a local cafe, mentions how the town’s reliance on seasonal work and the availability of cheap booze and food can promote an unhealthy lifestyle.
Young people in Blackpool, like David Easterbrook-Spurgeon, say poverty and a lack of opportunities contribute to the town’s struggles.
Drugs and alcohol are easy to access, and the cycle of poor health can be hard to break. The binge-drinking culture, combined with an abundance of takeaway food, only worsens the situation.
Glasgow and Blackpool: Calls for Change
The challenges facing these cities highlight the deep-rooted issues of health inequality in the UK.
Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, a Scottish Conservative, criticized the local government for not doing enough to address these problems, particularly in Glasgow.
He blamed the current leadership for the ongoing struggles with addiction and poor health, calling for urgent changes.
In Blackpool, the situation seems just as dire. Residents feel trapped in a cycle of poverty, poor health, and a lack of support.
As people continue to struggle with addiction and unhealthy lifestyles, local advocates are calling for more help and resources to address these issues.
A Wake-Up Call for Change
The figures reveal a stark contrast in life expectancy across the UK.
While some cities enjoy increasing longevity, others face an uphill battle with health issues deeply embedded in their communities.
For places like Glasgow and Blackpool, significant changes are needed to break the cycle of poor health and improve the lives of their residents.
The question now is whether the necessary changes will come in time.