Key points from article :
Blackpool now has the lowest male life expectancy in Britain, marking the first time Glasgow hasn’t held this position since records began. Boys born in Blackpool between 2021 and 2023 are expected to live 73.1 years on average, compared to 73.6 years in Glasgow. The areas with the lowest male life expectancy are concentrated in Scotland, the north of England, and Wales, while the highest are in the south of England, led by Hart in Hampshire at 83.4 years.
Women’s life expectancy shows a similar north-south divide, with Glasgow recording the lowest at 78.3 years, while Kensington and Chelsea top the charts at 86.5 years. Coastal towns like Blackpool continue to face persistent health inequalities compared to their inland neighbours, with factors like aging populations and economic deprivation contributing to the trend.
National life expectancy remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the enduring impact of COVID-19. According to the Office for National Statistics, men in the South East of England can expect to live three years longer than those in the North East, and women in London 2.7 years longer than their northern counterparts.
Experts, including England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty, are calling for a national strategy to address disparities in coastal towns. He suggests treating these towns as a collective group facing shared challenges, rather than isolated issues, to develop long-term solutions for improving health outcomes.
