While the secret to eternal life may remain a mystery, a new study has revealed that anyone wishing to live in good health for longer should move to beautiful Scotland!
The findings come from life insurance broker, Reassured, who analysed the latest life expectancy figures from the ONS and then assessed how different lifestyle choices, such as where you live, can affect lifespan and overall health.
Scotland’s picturesque Orkney Islands (pictured) came out on top as the place where both men and women have enjoyed the most years in ‘good health’.
Overall, six places in Scotland were featured in the top ten including three groups of islands (Orkney, Shetland, Outer Hebrides), suggesting remote island living could be particularly beneficial to the nation’s health and wellbeing.
Unfortunately, the outlook is not so promising in other areas of the UK.
The place where Brits have experienced the lowest number of ‘good health’ years was the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool.
Steve Marshall, Chief Executive at Reassured added:
“Scotland is a beautiful part of the world, and it’s not hard to see why remote island living could be better for your health.
“Following what has been a year of much turbulence and uncertainty, many of us are likely to have spent at least some time re-evaluating what is truly important, whether it be our partner, the children, the grandchildren or the family home.
“Life is often described as being short.
“But it’s fascinating to see how many elements of our everyday lives can impact these numbers, which is why we believe it’s so essential to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones, and to also ensure we have the necessary financial protection in place.
“This is why we are so passionate about life insurance and the peace of mind it can help provide.”
Further information can be found by clicking here.
Top 10 Places to Live for the Most ‘Good Health’ Years (UK)
| Area name | Average proportion of life spent in “good” health (%) |
| Orkney Islands, Scotland | 87.72 |
| East Dunbartonshire, Scotland | 86.68 |
| Richmond upon Thames (London), England | 86.51 |
| Rutland (East Midlands), England | 86.12 |
| Na h-Eileanan Siar (Outer Hebrides), Scotland | 86.07 |
| Shetland Islands, Scotland | 86.02 |
| Aberdeenshire, Scotland | 85.65 |
| Windsor and Maidenhead, England | 85.63 |
| Wokingham (Berkshire), England | 85.16 |
| East Renfrewshire, Scotland | 85 |
