Expat Returnees Advised To Head For Scotland's Healthy Living Destinations

If you’re planning to return to the UK due to Brexit uncertainty, the healthiest places to settle are in Scotland.

Many British expats at present living in EU member states are considering moving back to the UK rather than chancing the post-Brexit loss of healthcare and other human rights. Especially for expat retirees living in warmer, healthier climates, the choice of destination can be crucial as regards avoiding pollution and having access to uncrowded healthcare facilities. The result of recent research into the healthiest places in the UK may come as a surprise, as eight out of the ten top destinations are found in Scotland.

For the study, Liverpool University researchers examined a range of environmental and lifestyle measures in order to determine which UK locations were likely to benefit health in general. The results suggested eight Scottish destinations with low pollution, easy access to green spaces, parks and other natural surroundings, a choice of recreational spaces and good provision of local doctors and general healthcare services. Also, locations were viewed as more or less healthy by considering the number of fast food outlets and pubs in each area.

According to Liverpool University senior lecturer Dr Mark Green, areas in Scotland generally provide good healthcare access as well as clean air and a green environment, ensuring respiratory health for older expat arrivals. He added individuals do better healthwise in natural surroundings as green spaces and natural beauty create happiness amongst humans. The West Lothian town of Fauldhouse took third place in the study, with Foxbar in Paisley coming in at fourth most healthy. Fifth place went to the town of Glenboig in Lanarkshire, with Kinghorn and Ballingry in Fife, Coupar Angus in Perthshire and Lanarkshire’s Kilsyth also placed in the top ten.