CRI听力:Beautiful Scenery & Health

Two years short of 80, Sally Parry is one of many elderly people living on the Isle of Skye safe in the knowledge that statistically they are among the healthiest people in the UK.

She also benefits from good genes. Her mother, Stella lived to the ripe old age of 95.

But long life isn't just hereditary. 2010 statistics from the Scottish Public Health Observatory indicate that people who reside in the Skye and Lochalsh areas live an average of four years longer than those in the rest of Scotland.

They are also considerably less likely to suffer from cancer and respiratory, digestive and heart diseases than people in other parts of the UK. Dr. Tara Shivaji is a Specialist Registrar in Public Health for the National Health Service - Highland.

"For Skye in particular there are two reasons why we see this healthy picture. The first is in the last few years there's been an influx into Skye of people of working age and recent retirees who've moved there to enjoy the outdoors and for lifestyle as well as economic reasons. And these people tend to be healthier than average. The other reason is there are parts of Skye that are wealthier than average, and we do know that people who are better off are better able to take on these healthy behaviors, getting outside, hill walking, swimming and so on."

But Skye and Lochalsh aren't the only areas in the UK with a high level of affluent residents. So why do people there enjoy a lower mortality rate?

In 1984, the "Biophilia hypothesis" put forward by Harvard University entomologist Edward Wilson theorized that people are genetically programmed to prefer nature and that living in a beautiful, natural environment enhances their mental wellbeing and sense of personal fulfillment.

And natural beauty is something that Skye has in abundance.

Although Wilson's theory has yet to be extensively tested, Dr. Shivaji says doctors have long believed that green spaces and beautiful environments improve people's general health.

"We know that living in a beautiful environment and being able to get out there and enjoy it is a very good thing for your health. But at the same time you have to actually get out there and enjoy it and get active."

But before you sell your home and rush off to the Isle of Skye, doctors say the key to living a long life is not just about sitting back and enjoying the scenery. Dr. Shivaji advices:

"Take on healthy behaviors, such as getting outside, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and moderate alcohol consumption."

For CRI, I am Li Dong.