A woman living in part of Dunblane can expect to live 19 years longer than her male counterpart residing five miles away in Raploch, according to latest figures.
Average life expectancy for a man in Raploch is 68.9 compared with 87.7 years for a woman in Dunblane West.
The data is revealed in the public health report 2016-18 presented to the NHS Forth Valley board last week by its director of public health, Dr Graham Foster.
He said in the report there was “a continued focus to break cycles of deprivation and inequalities in our community”.
Chief executive Cathie Cowan asked what the board could do to help support Dr Foster. She was unhappy with NHS Forth Valley’s figures relating to smoking and alcohol.
Forth Valley has more smokers than the national average. Twenty-three per cent of Forth Valley adults smoke compared with 21 per cent of adults in Scotland.
The rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions is similar to the Scottish average: 676 per 100,00.
Ms Cowan added : “I know we are comparable with Scotland but I thought we would be better.”
Dr Foster said: “Public health can work and we need to make positive strides. We are almost unique in Scotland in having a health improvement strategy.”
He said tackling substance and alcohol abuse, as well as improving breastfeeding rates and improving mental health were all part of that plan.
He explained how mental health first aid kits were being offered for free and said schools were now teaching mindfulness and resilience.
A recent Stirling Council document stated the average life expectancy for a man in Dunblane East was 82.1 years and 78.4 in Stirling.
The document said the average life expectancy of a woman in Raploch was 76.6 – 11 years less than five miles away in Dunblane West.
In Stirling the average life expectancy is 81.9 for women while In Scotland the average life expectancy for men is 77 and for women 81.1 years.
Scotland has the worst life expectancy of all UK countries.
Scottish Green councillor for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, Alasdair Tollemache added: “Forth Valley Health Board’s report on life expectancy shows a stark difference in life expectancy for people living in different Stirling Council areas.
“Although the Government’s goal to reduce health inequalities is a longstanding one, communities and individuals need more opportunities to achieve health equity regardless of socio-economic position. We need more radical action both locally and nationally to achieve a healthier, fairer society.
