City's life expectancy lower than regional average

The average life expectancy in Peterborough was lower than other East of England regions, data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed.

The figure was included in the annual public health report presented to Peterborough City Council's Prevention, Independence and Resilience Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday.

The report was part of a campaign called Peterborough Get Moving, which aimed to increase levels of health and fitness participation across the city, the Local Democracy Report Service said.

Raj Lakshman, the authority's director of public health and author of the report, said: "In Peterborough, the average life expectancy at birth is 77.8 years for men and 81.9 years for women.

"Both are slightly lower than the averages for the East of England, and England as a whole."

Lakshman added: "When we look at healthy life expectancy – the years people can expect to live in good health – the most recent figures for Peterborough show men can expect 55.6 healthy years, and women 55.2 healthy years".

"This is about five to six years lower than the average of other local authorities and, worryingly, has been declining sharply since 2014."

He emphasised how being regularly active could reduce the risk of "the six most common preventable conditions" that cause ill-health and increase the chances of dying early.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, these six conditions include cancers, cardiovascular disease (including stroke and diabetes), musculoskeletal disorders, mental ill health, dementia and chronic respiratory disease.

"With all the investment coming into Peterborough through Pride in Place, new swimming pool and sports facilities, the opportunities to get active are increasing," Lakshman added.

"Together, we can make Peterborough a city where everyone has the chance to live healthier, happier, and more active lives," he said.

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