“Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.”
Those words which have turned up in more than one popular song were first uttered by legendary boxer Joe Louis in 1965.
They have some relevance to life in the Sunshine Coast region. In my May column, I noted that the Hinterland is becoming increasingly elderly. Now we know why.
Research reveals your chances of living longer are greatest if you live here. Especially if you’re a woman. Sunshine Coast women will, on average, live three years longer than those living in Darwin or Hobart.
Women living in this region have the greatest life expectancy in Australia. They also rank highly on a global scale, according to data from the Federal Minister for Ageing.
The research says the average Sunshine Coast woman will make it to 85. Local men will live longer than most (they rank 5th nationally in longevity) but, like men everywhere, will expire five years before women.
This clears up a mystery. The influx of the elderly to this region is inspired by a desire to delay the inevitable. In terms of “everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die”, many newcomers are seeking to achieve both – accessing a little slice of heaven on earth while deferring their exit as long as possible.
Which inspires the question, why do people live longer in this region, and why particularly women. I did a small survey to gather opinions.
One response was this: “Many women come to live here after a relationship break-up. And statistics show single women live longer than married women.” Another respondent suggested people live longer here because it’s a great place to live, with a good environment, good community and good energy – all of which impact on well-being.
“The air is clean, the water is clean, we have easy access to good-quality food grown locally, it’s a really supportive community and there’s strong infrastructure to support women. That extends to support that’s nurturing for the spirit and the health. There are more natural therapies available here. That all makes a difference.
“If you’re in trouble in our community, three people will come to offer assistance. As opposed to big city living where you’re surrounded by people but you don’t know anyone.”
Another thought is that both the coastal strip and the Hinterland are expensive places to buy homes. You need above-average income to live here and many residents have the financial capacity to pay for the support which tends to prolong life. “People move here to retire and they tend to be quite affluent and can afford to pay for good health care,” says one respondent.
And this from a 10-year-old: “We don’t have to stress as much as people in the city. And it’s more polluted in the city. People get sick more often down there.”
As for men who are doomed to die five years before women. Another survey shows old men are grumpier than old women. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing says women report higher quality of life as they grow older, while men tend to do the opposite. Such men should consider these wise words: “I prefer old age to the alternative.”
Terry Ryder
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