A new study revealed Manitobans are living healthier and longer lives. However, not everyone is enjoying extended life expectancy.

The study by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy found that, on average, men live to 77-and-a-half, an increase of one year over the last study that looked at life expectancy. That's still not as long as women, who are living to 82-and-half, about six months longer since last measured.

"Almost everything is pointing in a positive direction, and that's a bit unusual, and we're happy about that, because it's mostly good news," said Randy Fransoo, of the MCHP.

Young men like 23-year-old medical student Michael Seaman help make up a healthier population. Seaman says lifting weights now will pay off later.

"My health is the number-one important thing in my life and I try to make an effort to come to the gym,” he said.

Bob Horton, 78, says he has a simple strategy for a long life. "Just try to avoid unhealthy things," he said.
Not everyone enjoys extended life expectancy. The study found that people dying earlier come from low-income areas.

"The connection between health and wealth is longstanding, it's been known for many years and it continues," said Fransoo.

Fransoo says there are many factors that affect life-expectancy. "A lot of those bigger social factors are what drive a lot of health status, more than how many doctors and nurses are around, though of course we need those, too."

Seaman says more medical research will help. "There's a big emphasis now on medicine, on preventing, stuff like this,” he said. “A good diet and good exercise is just one way of going about doing that."

The study found that the prevalence of osteoporosis, respiratory and heart disease dropped. The study also found more people are living with diabetes, but researchers say those living with the disease are also living longer.

- With are report by Josh Crabb