Location, location, location holds the key to a long life
Longevity rates differ widely as study explores secrets of health
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Wednesday August 13 2008
IT'S all in the location -- at least that's what a study of the life, death, health and welfare of the nation has revealed.
A public-health survey has for the first time examined the life expectancy, suicide rates, cancer incidences, hospital admissions and deprivation on a county-by-county basis.
The research highlighted a stark difference in both health and well-being across the island.
People were left pondering the secrets of life in Roscommon, after it emerged the people in the north-western county lived the longest. It boasted the highest life expectancy for men, at 76 years, and women, at 82.
However, the leisurely pace of country life may not be the key factor, as neighbouring county Leitrim had the lowest life expectancy for men, at 72 years, while women fared worst in Limerick.
The lifestyles and access to health and social care were just some of the factors which researchers pinpointed as playing a role in determining the life-expectancy rates.
But on the whole, the all-Ireland life expectancy rate was estimated at 75 years for men, and 80 years for women, according to the data, examined from 2002 to 2004.
Dr Kevin Balanda, director of the research published by the Institute of Public Health, said it was difficult to single out a reason why people lived longer in one location than another.
Highest
He highlighted the area of Ballymoney, which is located just 77km north of Belfast and boasted the highest life expectancy of the entire island, for both men and women.
John Finlay, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) mayor of the 9,000 population, said the combination of fresh country air and friendly atmosphere made the town an obvious place to set up home.
"It's no wonder that people live longer here," Mr Finlay added. "Ballymoney has a lot slower pace of life than the big towns, and it's a very friendly place."
Dr Balanda said the purpose of the study was to "stimulate" all types of debates about issues such as how such different life-expectancies can be found in neighbouring counties.
"Clearly, where you live is very important; workplace; home environment; health and social services available; whether the roads are safe; and good community feeling," he said. "Life expectancy embodies a whole lot of things."
Explanations
He added: "You can't find an answer to the question just by looking at the Roscommon area."
Dr Balanda said there were "no simple explanations" and the past history of an area also had to be taken into account.
The director said the information could be used to help planners at national and local level tailor health and other services to a community's needs.
The two reports, 'The All-Ireland Health and Social Care Indicator Set' and the 'Irish Health Poverty Index', were published by the Institute of Public Health.
Less people sought hospital treatment in the eastern and southern half of the country, compared with the rest. Sligo had the highest hospital admission rate, at more than 32,600 per 100,000; while Kerry had the lowest, at just over 20,100 per 100,000 persons.
According to the reports, the Republic has poorer quality of health, taking into account cancer incidence rates and child immunisation rates, in comparison with the North.
However, teenage birth rates are higher north of the Border -- among the highest in Europe -- when compared with the Republic.
When it comes to childhood immunisations -- six vaccines, including the MMR jab -- were more likely to be administered in the North, with 97pc uptake, compared with 90pc in the Republic.
Immunisation uptake was highest in the north-western and midland areas. Researchers found those who remain unimmunised are more likely to live in disadvantage areas.
Around 13pc of households reported problems with their dwelling condition -- with Sligo, Roscommon and Tipperary topping the list of those experiencing problems.
- Louise Hogan
