The people of Roscommon have can expect to live longest in the Republic of Ireland.
According to a survey by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, County Roscommon has the highest life expectancy for both men (76.9 years) and for women (82.2 years). In contrast, the reports finds the counties with the lowest life expectancy are Leitrim for men (72.848) and Limerick for women (79.314).
The figures refer to life expectancy at birth during the period 2002-2004. It is the first time that male and female life expectancy figures have been made available on a county by county basis.
The secret to the health and life expectancy of Roscommon senior citizens may be discovered at active retirement groups such as the Four Mile House Active Age Club. Club member 95 year old Michael Cunningham and his wife Kathleen in her 80th year, believe they know why Roscommon tops the poll for longevity. Kathleen Cunningham puts it down to,
Working hard, eating good plain food.
Michael Cunningham believes an early start to the day is crucial,
The fresh air in the morning, you couldn't beat it.
Meanwhile local doctors on each side of the River Shannon are trying to analyse why near neighbours in County Leitrim have the lowest life expectancy for men. General practitioner Eugene Hardiman in Rooskey, County Roscommon cannot understand why the figures are so different between the two counties. He suggests some new surveys over the decade could find the answer.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 August 2008. The reporter is Ciarán Mullooly.
