Live long and prosper in healthy Ryedale (From Gazette & Herald)

Live long and prosper in healthy Ryedale

DO you want to live a long and healthy life? Then Ryedale's the place to be.

That is the conclusion of a study on health inequalities in the UK published by the Department of Health.

According to new league tables, Ryedale is the third healthiest place to live in England. Only London's two most exclusive boroughs, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, score higher.

The tables are based on the 'Standardised Mortality Rate' (SMR) which assesses how many people would be expected to die in a district per year.

The SMR in Ryedale is only 78, which means 22 people in every 100 are living longer than expected.

At the other end of the scale, Liverpool has an SMR of 131 and Manchester 127.

The data was released as part of a Government drive to tackle widespread inequalities in health across England.

Sue Bingham, matron of the Rockingham House residential home at the Mount, Malton, where North Yorkshire's oldest resident, 105-year-old Mrs Vera Yorke, lives, said: "We have several residents who are in their mid-90s - two of 98. The Ryedale climate seems to be a big asset in longevity."

And, she says, the home has had a number of members of the district's farming community over the years who had lived into their 90s. "They always say that it's the outdoor life, hard work and good food which has enabled them to live to be a good age."

Mrs Yorke, who will be 106 next April, is still living life to the full, taking regular walks and chatting with other residents and visitors.

Paul Hayward, director of Ryedale Voluntary Action, said: "It is nice to know that Ryedale has this distinction, but there are still issues which need addressing."

Care for those with mental health problems was improving, but it was important that people had access to care in general when it is needed, he said.

Among the reasons civic leaders and heads of caring organisations put forward for the Ryedale accolade include the district's rural environment, and the lack of industrial and motorway noise.

Farmer David Cussons, 65, who has been a Ryedale district councillor for nine years, said: "People who come on holiday here do say what a marvellous area it is and they say we are lucky to live here. I think it is a very nice place, with the countryside and everything.

"And they say we are nice people, more friendly, and we get involved with things. The week soon goes, that's for sure. We do live in a wonderful area."

Fellow councillors Linda Cowling and Wilf Garbutt said low levels of pollution were one reason Ryedale people were so healthy.

Mrs Cowling, 53, of Middleton, near Pickering, said: "What I find surprising is that two London boroughs were ahead of us.

"Perhaps we were there because it's a low density population and we have low pollution levels.

"It must be strong Yorkshire breeding."

Mr Garbutt, of Thornton-le-Dale, said his family had been there since 1856 and all had lived to a "ripe old age".

He said: "We are in a relatively clean area, no heavy industry and little pollution from cars and motorways. Other than that, it's good fresh air and good living."

Health chiefs in Ryedale said that work was ongoing to improve residents' health even further.

Derek Bartrop, head of patient and public involvement at Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust, said: "It's very welcoming to learn that Ryedale comes out as the top rural location.

"Life expectancy is clearly influenced by many things and the PCT is working with the local authorities and many other partners to improve life for all."

Updated: 09:32 Wednesday, July 09, 2003