South West average life expectancy among the highest in the country

Life insurance experts Reassured have analysed recent ONS data to find out the average life expectancy across various UK regions and what factors impact life expectancy.

We will look at the various factors the impact life expectancy and the findings for the South West.

How does the South West compare to the UK average?

The data found that the average life expectancy in the UK is 85.7, the average for women is 87.2 years, while it is nearly three years lower for men, as they average 84.3 years.

The South West region boasts an impressive life expectancy average of 86.7 years with the average for women 88.1 years and Men 85.3 years, above the average UK life expectancy.

The South East is the only region that has a higher average life expectancy than the South West. While Scotland and Northern Ireland have an average of 83.9 years and 84.9 years respectively.

It is important that although life expectancy varies around the country, circumstances can change quickly and having the best life insurance policy will give you peace of mind.

Becoming a parent increases life expectancy

You would think with the stress of becoming a parent, it would reduce your life expectancy. However, findings have showed otherwise with a father having a life expectancy of nearly 86, just shy of three years more than males that aren’t parents. This is the same story for females, with mothers averaging 88.3 years, while women without children 86 years.

This trend continues in the South West, with fathers and mothers averaging a life expectancy of 86.7 and 89.3 years respectively. While a childless man averages 83.9 and a childless female 87 years. A gap of nearly three years for men and just over two years for females.

Marriage improves the men’s life expectancy more than women

Married men in the South West of England see an increase of 1.1 years to the average South West life expectancy for a male. However, women in the South West see a decrease of nearly a year.

The research found this was the case across the whole of the UK, that marriage appeared to suit the men more than women.

Steve Marshall, CEO at Reassured commented on the findings: “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.”