Timperley men can expect to live three years longer than their Altrincham-based counterparts, new research has shown.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a map of Greater Manchester’s tram network that reveals the stark differences in the region’s life expectancy.
The research, which uses Office for National Statistics data, focussed on factors such as income, health and diet.
And it showed that while women in both Timperley and Altrincham can expect to live to the age of 81, the picture for men is markedly different.
Men living in Timperley are predicted to live to 78 – the longest of any place in Greater Manchester – while men in Altrincham, just a mile or two up the tram line, must make do with a life expectancy of just 75. Timperley is also ranked as the “least deprived” place in Greater Manchester.
Women in Sale can expect to live to 82, the oldest age in the whole network.
In more deprived parts of the region, the picture is strikingly different.
In Rochdale town centre, men can expect to live to just 66 and women 74.
Dr Kingsley Purdam, of the university’s Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing, said the data highlights “the underlying inequalities in life expectancy”.
“A range of often interrelated factors are linked to lower life expectancy such as low income, employment status, the local environment, access to health care, smoking and alcohol consumption, diet, exercise, social status and social isolation.
“Whilst people are living longer, the gap between certain populations is growing.
“We hope this map can highlight the issue to the public and health professionals. The inequalities are a real challenge.”
