MORE needs to be done to close the "stark" gap in life expectancy between certain parts of Cumbria, according to the county's health chief.
Professor John Ashton, director of Cumbria Primary Care Trust, said the difference can be as much as 20 years.
In Eden, people can expect to live to 90, but in other areas, such as Barrow, the figure is only 70.
Prof Ashton said the problem s
temmed from lifestyle and working conditions earlier in life. "That's something that's difficult to do anything about at the moment.
"I think we have to have an approach which tackles the burden of illness, makes sure those in poor shape get good access to health care. We also need to be focusing on the next generation, making sure they have equal opportunities for decent health and a good old age."
But he stressed that Cumbria's popularity as a retirement destination has an impact on the statistics, because many middle-class retirees bring "good health" with them from other parts of the country.
His proposals for extending life expectancy include better health education and tackling the root causes of ill-health such as excessive drinking and lack of exercise.
Last year, a study by the Office for National Statistics showed that ill-health often strikes up to 30 years earlier in parts of the north of England, compared with the south.
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