SILHILLIANS have been ranked among the happiest in England.
And the borough is the third-best place to grow old in the country – according to health technology company Health Connect Global.
The analysis reveals Windsor and Maidenhead, Hartlepool, and Solihull as the top three areas for older people to consider living in nationally.
Solihull claims third place overall, with the fourth highest happiness score in the country. Solihull residents live to an average age of 82 years (ranking fifth nationally), and the town has good care home provision with 84 beds per 10,000 people.
Meanwhile neighbouring Coventry places 30th, with good GP provision at 16.63 surgeries per 100,000 people, ranking ninth nationally.
However, the city has a lower life expectancy of 80 years and lower happiness ratings.
And Birmingham ranks much lower, having a life expectancy of just 79 years.
Health Connect Global used Government data on everything from average life expectancy, the number of care home beds in each area, how many GPs surgeries there are, A&E wait times, and referral times, to and national data on how happy people are, to create its Top Towns and Cities to Grow Old index.
Dr Devan Moodley, chief executive of Health Connect Global, said: “Across the country people are growing older and older, depending more on the health and social care system as they live for longer with more complex health conditions.
“As a society we need to do as much as possible to make sure that older people get the support and care they need, so they can continue to live happy lives, as the data shows in Solihull.
“The research shines a light on where we are doing brilliantly in this country, but also shows that so much more needs to be done, like investing in better community care, and using the latest technology, so everyone can live with dignity in their old age.”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, leader of Solihull Council said: “It’s no surprise for me to hear this. Solihull is a great place for people of all ages, not least older people.
“Our excellent local health and social care, including the Urgent Treatment Centre that the Council fought so hard for, mean people are well taken care of as they age here.
“Combined with all the wonderful leisure activities including our parks, cafes and restaurants and shops, Solihull is clearly a great place to live.”
