Study reveals regional disparities in British women"s life expectancy

Recent research highlights significant disparities in life expectancy among women in different regions of England. Women in the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber have the lowest life expectancies, averaging between 81.2 and 81.9 years, which is below the national average of 82.8 years. In contrast, women in the South West enjoy a longer average life expectancy of 83.9 years. This regional divide is further exacerbated by a lower healthy life expectancy, with women in the North experiencing four to six years less of good health compared to their counterparts in the South East. The study also reveals that women in the North face greater health challenges, with about 10% reporting long-term illnesses that significantly limit their daily activities, compared to 6.5% in the South East. Mental health issues and domestic violence are more prevalent in the North, contributing to a broader pattern of disadvantage. Economically, women in these regions earn significantly less, with average weekly wages falling short of the national average, resulting in a collective loss of £132 million weekly. Experts, including Hannah Davies from Health Equity North, emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions to address these inequalities. Local leaders, such as the mayors of West Yorkshire and the North East, have called for immediate action to rectify the systemic failings affecting women and girls in the North. Suggested measures include improving access to benefits, enhancing childcare services, and addressing the two-child benefit cap. The findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize women's health and economic opportunities, aiming to create a more equitable society for all women across England.