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Maxonians have a long life ahead!

Chris Morris
20/ 8/2008

AFTER years of searching the secret to a long life has finally been revealed – live in Macclesfield.

New figures released by the GMB Union show that by living in the borough you can expect a longer life than our counterparts in the North West. And almost six years more than our sickly neighbours in Manchester.

The average life expectancy of men is a sturdy 78.8 years while women clock up a pension-busting 82.5 years, way above regional and national averages. So what is it that makes life so good in the area?

According to Dominic Anderson from Age Concern East Cheshire, Silk Town is well-placed for the good life.

He said: "Macclesfield is surrounded by the countryside which means there’s clean air, and a place to encourage people to go walking and take exercise.

"Keeping the mind and body active in old age can keep you healthy and there are excellent services in the town for the elderly. They have more opportunities to stay active because the population is generally older ."

Figures from the Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (CECPCT), show Macclesfield is an aging town with the number of people over 65 outnumbering children under 16. But the elixir of life may be as simple as leading a healthier lifestyle, statistics from CECPCT also state that the level of physical activity outstrips regional and national averages. May Nockton has lived in Macclesfield all of her life and has always been healthy.

The 100-year-old Ingersley Court Residential Home resident said: "I have never smoked and only occasionally have a glass of Baileys, I just keep living. My sister is 97 so perhaps people have better genes in Macclesfield."

It could, however, just be down to Maxonian’s chirpy outlook on life.

"Never grumbling has kept me going – I never lose my temper," May reflected.