Scottish Life Expectancy Figures "bleak" says Age Scotland

Two new reports published by NHS Scotland say that Scotland has fallen behind Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

The charity has said it demonstrates the need to invest in social care and more effective work to tackle poverty.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive said:

“These figures are bleak. Inequality and poverty in Scotland is too high and the gap between Scotland and the rest of the UK on life expectancy is getting worse.

"The aspiration should be for Scotland to be the best nation in the world to grow old, but these figures show that we have quite a way to go. This demonstrates just how vital it is to invest in social care and our nation’s health to improve quality and length of life.”