How one village in Kent is defying life expectancy

ITV News Correspondent Sejal Karia reports from Detling in the Kent Downs where women have a life expectancy of 95.

Women living in the village of Detling in Kent are living longer than the average life expectancy of 83 in England, leaving many wondering what their secret is.

With an average life expectancy of 95, they’re being acknowledged as the longest-living in England. Some chalk the residents’ long lives to there being something in the water.

But 102-year-old Irene Nobbs told ITV News’ Sejal Karia that her secret is a glass or two of her favourite tipple everyday.

“I enjoy drinking a little glass of rosé”, she said.

“I have it at lunchtime - a small glass, not a big one - and then in the evening for supper”. It “definitely” helps, she said.

“How can I explain it? My body feels old, but my heart’s young”.

Irene Nobbs isn’t the only one in this corner of Kent not letting her age get in the way of living.

At nearly 89, Margaret Cooke, who has lived in Detling for 60 years, has survived cancer twice, and is still thriving.

Her secret is “refusing to give in”. “Why should I let it beat me down?” she said.

“And be thankful for each day I’m alive here still. Aren’t I lucky?” she added.

But like her son, Ms Cooke also thinks Detling’s water is the key to the residents’ longer life.

At the village pub, owners Tony and Kim believe people are simply too busy to feel old.

“They’re stress-free, they’re happy, they love the walks and it may be something to do with the water,” Kim said.