Beverly Hills Residents Outlive Most in L.A. County

Residents of Beverly Hills can expect to live an average of 5.3 years longer than L.A. County residents overall, according to a report released by the county Department of Public Health.

"Life Expectancy in Los Angeles County: How long do we live and why?" analyzed data collected between 1991 and 2006 to show that although life expectancy in the county overall has been on a steady climb, "substantial disparities continue to exist."

Average life expectancy for county residents overall was 80.3 years. Beverly Hills residents, however, live an average of 85.6 years. The city came in third place for the highest life expectancy rate in L.A. County, after La Canada Flintridge and Walnut.

Jane Winston, senior recreation supervisor at Roxbury Park Community Center, says that Beverly Hills seniors stay healthy and active by taking advantage of the many senior-focused recreational activities offered by the city, including aerobics and sculpting.

"They care what they look like and feel like," Winston said. "They go to good doctors. They take advantage of the library, and they're well educated usually. They love current events."

Geography, ethnicity and financial status play a role in determining one's life span. The report highlighted a "strong correlation between economic hardship and life expectancy," saying earlier death "is higher among those who are poor, who have less education, and who have less social support and fewer economic resources."

The report ranked Beverly Hills the county's 10th most affluent city. Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach came in one, two and three. 

But just 15 miles away from Beverly Hills in South Los Angeles, residents of Westmont—which ranked 91st on economic status—face the county's lowest  average life expectancy of 72.4 years. 

"Average life expectancy is one of the most fundamental measures of the health of a population and community," Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, said in the report.

Classes, activities and entertainment at the Roxbury Recreation Center include current event discussions, creative writing, origami, yoga, and stretch and tone classes. More information can be found on the Senior Programs section of the Roxbury website.