You are living in one of the healthiest places in Australia.
A report by insurer AIA Australia has identified the City of Gosnells as one of 45 local government areas in the country where its’ residents are living healthier, longer, better lives compared to the national population.
Eight years longer in fact, with a median average age of death in the vitality areas of 83.4 years, compared to the national average of 75.2 years. Being one of 45 local government areas is a stand-out, considering there are almost 540 local councils in Australia.
The report lists many reasons why including active lifestyles, access to green spaces, mental well-being, eco-friendly attitude and a strong community connection.
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said it was fantastic to see the City of Gosnells recognised in this way, because good health and well-being are important to everyone.
“This recognition shows the City’s efforts to improve the lifestyle opportunities available to people in our community are having an impact,” she said.
“The City of Gosnells is well known for is beautiful parks and natural spaces and the Councillors and I are proud to support programs and events that promote community connection.
“The report also outlined having active lifestyles, mental wellbeing and an eco-friendly attitude as among the reasons why the City of Gosnells stood out.”
In addition to the City of Gosnells, the other cities in WA accoladed are Canning, Cambridge, Claremont, Cottesloe, Murray, Mosmon Park, Nedlands and Perth.
According to the report, collectively the vitality zones save the Australian public hospital system about $371.4 million each year. People living in these zones visit public hospitals one-third less than the rest of the country for general admissions, while their rate of potentially preventable hospitalisations is half of the national average.
The residents in the zones report lower rates of major chronic conditions compared to the national average, including 30 per cent less likely to live with a long-term lung condition, 30 per cent less likely to report living with diabetes, and 14 per cent less likely to have kidney or heart disease.
Importantly, residents in the zones are 43 per cent less likely to die from a potentially avoidable death than other Australians. This includes 64 per cent fewer deaths from diabetes, 53 per cent fewer deaths from respiratory issues, and 48 per cent fewer deaths from circulatory systems issues.
The specific behaviours driving the positive outcomes in the City of Gosnells include better sense of mental health and wellbeing, the amount of physical activity, good nutrition, preventative screening and interaction with the environment.
According to AIA, 38 per cent of residents living in the vitality zones engage in moderate-intensity exercise three to four days per week, and have stronger confidence in preparing nutritious meals at home.
Some of the City of Gosnells programs that have a direct impact on community health include Senior Services programs for residents aged 55 and over, and a comprehensive range of youth and families’ programs. The Community Funding Program provides grants to community groups for a range of projects, many of which target health and wellbeing.
The City also provides affordable and accessible health and lifestyle opportunities for the community at Leisure World and supports a wide range of community sports and activities by providing a range of facilities and other assistance for community groups.
Many of the City’s other policies and programs also impact community health, including the Public Open Space Strategy, Greening Gosnells: Our Public Tree Strategy, and construction of cycle paths and all-abilities playgrounds.
