Wandsworth home to healthiest people

Those residing in the London borough of Wandsworth can give themselves a pat on the back as it was revealed they are likely to be among the healthiest people in the UK, figures from the census show.

Analysis of the most recent statistics reveal the typical Wandsworth resident is not only likely to be healthy but also in good stead when it comes to other aspects of life.

For example, residents of the area are likely to be economically and well-educated, with only those in Chelsea and Kensington classifying themselves as more physically active.

The number of people reporting to be in good health has risen substantially in the region in recent years, with a 38 per cent rise apparent between 2001 and 2011.

Perhaps the increased level of physically active people is likely to be higher as Wandsworth is also home to younger people, with the average age standing at 32, well below the national average of 39.

More than half (54 per cent) of residents indicated they hold a degree or an even higher accolade, the second-highest percentage in the country when the City of London is taken out of the equation.

This indicates a jaw-dropping rise of 42 per cent since 2011 when the census was previously conducted.

Leader of Wandsworth Council, Ravi Govindia, thanked the population for filling in their census forms, as the 92 per cent return rate had enabled the authority to build an accurate snapshot of residential life in Wandsworth.

He also used the census results as an opportunity to disclose some of the plans the council has for improvements in the area.

"We know that some parts of the borough are not as wealthy as others, and we are working to ensure all our residents have the same chance to be healthy and get on in life," he said.

"We are regenerating neighbourhoods in Roehampton and Battersea and improving housing stock, and are working with our new public health colleagues to target health inequality."

Published 5th February, 2013

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