1. Health and the Rural Economy
Nicola Wright
Consultant in Public Health
Public Health Warwickshire

3. Benefits of Rural Living
Males born in rural areas are expected to live 2 years longer than those born in major urban areas
Females born in rural areas are expected to live 18 months longer than those in major urban areas
Fewer people living in rural areas are dying prematurely than those living in urban areas
Children have lower BMIs living in areas with more green space

4. Potential Issues of Rural Living
Rural or social isolation
Fuel poverty
Access – Physical and e-access to health and other services
Rural crime
Private landlords

5. Other Considerations /Benefits
Flood risk
Climate change
Air quality
Active transport – cycling/walking

6. Benefits of Visiting Rural and Green Spaces
Positive impact of green spaces on the wider population:
reduced crime
increased workplace productivity
decreased health inequalities
Green spaces are linked to increased wellbeing

7. Economic Evidence So Far…
An inactive person is likely to spend 37% more time in hospital and visit the doctor 5.5% more than an active person
Improvements to green spaces and regeneration have led to:
Job creation
Tax revenue
Visitor spending
Land values
Positive physical and mental health reduce sickness absence of employees

8. The next 12 months… Increasing access to green spaces
Loneliness and social isolation workstream
Further working across partners to capture the evidence of economic benefit of the rural economy to encourage further investment
Identifying the groups (and solutions) for those not accessing green spaces