East Dorset's residents live longer than anyone else in England and Wales, figures show.

A new report by the Office for National Statistics reveals that men reach an average of 83 years old, while women are likely to live until they are 86.4.

346 places across the UK were assessed as part of the report, with both men and women’s life expectancies considered separately.

The men of Bournemouth can expect to live 4.4 years less than those in Wimborne, Verwood or Ferndown, while women will live around 3.1 fewer years.

But North Dorset residents are in the top 10 nationally, while those who live in Christchurch have the 15th and 11th life expectancies nationally.

Purbeck is fifth for lifespan for women - but men of the area fare less well, dying five years earlier.

The statistics paint a national picture of a north-south divide, with men suffering the most in Blackpool, where their average life expectancy in the country is just 73.8 years, whereas the lowest for women is in Manchester at 79.3 years.

Wimborne Mayor, Councillor Andy Hampton, said: “Wimborne has a unique character and an incredibly tight-knit community.

“I think these points promote a longer life expectancy. I have owned a business in the town for 12 years, and it is only in my mayoral year that I have released exactly how many wonderful community groups and events there are here. It’s a fantastic place to live.”

Cllr Chris Mayne, Bournemouth Borough Council’s Older People Champion, said he wasn’t shocked by the town’s placement on the table. 

“It’s probably what we would have hoped for,” he said.

“It’s difficult to say why people are living for less time in Bournemouth than in other areas of Dorset. There can be a number of factors – the environment, pollution, weight, smoking, drinking, affluence – all of these things can impact a life expectancy.”

However, he said many of the older people he meets through his work love living in the town.
“It’s a great place to live,” he said.

North Dorset MP Bob Walter, whose constituency covers the North Dorset local government district and large parts of East Dorset, said: “I welcome yesterday’s ONS figures putting East Dorset District top for life expectancy, with neighbouring North Dorset following close behind.

“Dorset is, of course, a beautiful part of the world and many people move here to pursue a healthier, more relaxed lifestyle. However, it is important to stress that, whilst positive news, increased life expectancy inevitably puts more pressure on local authority budgets and social care provision, in addition to the cost of Dorset’s ‘rural premium’.

“Age UK’s Later Life in Rural England and the EFRA Select Committee’s 6th Rural Communities report, both published this month, highlight the need for greater rural proofing when it comes to health and social care policy. This is something I firmly support and will continue to campaign for.”

Dr Mark Sharman OBE of Pokesdown-based charity Help and Care said: “It is a really good news story, but we must remember that the figures will not take into account the inequality within certain areas.

“There will be pockets of poverty even in East Dorset. I was once told that it’s not about adding years to your life – it’s about adding life to your years. We need to make sure that people have a good quality of life, as well as living for longer.”

Since the 2004-06 results, men in Bournemouth have lived to around 78 years old, and the life expectancy is gradually increasing.

From 2000 until 2002, men could only expect to reach around 75.9 in Bournemouth.

Life expectancy in Dorset – 2009 – 2011 figures

Bournemouth: 78.6 male (215th), 83.3 female (161st)

Poole: 80.1 male (114th), 84.1 female (79th)

East Dorset: 83.0 male (1st), 86.4 female (1st)

Christchurch: 81.6 male (15th), 85.3 female (11th)

North Dorset: 81.8 male (10th), 8.5.5 female (8th)

Purbeck: 80.8 male (53rd), 85.8 female (5th)

West Dorset: 80.5 male (75th), 84.9 female (23rd)

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