A French village, in the vineyards.

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FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP

Life expectancy in the countryside has deteriorated since the early 2000s compared to cities, with rural dwellers living on average two years less than urban dwellers, reveals a study published Wednesday by the Association of Rural Mayors (AMRF).

The study was carried out using data from INSEE by Emmanuel Vigneron, professor of universities in Montpellier, specialist in the territorial approach to health.

"The difference between the most deeply rural areas and the most densely populated areas continues to widen over the years," said the author of

La santé au XXIe siècle

, published by Berger-Levrault.

The professor thus observed an "aggravation over the last thirty years between the rural departments and the urban departments", men being the worst off with 2.2 years less life expectancy at birth, against 0, 9 years for women.

“A reality” for the Association of Rural Mayors

For Dominique Dhumeaux, 1st vice-president of the AMRF and mayor of the village of Fercé-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe), this study confirms "a reality" that he perceives on the ground.

He also fears that the deterioration will continue over the next few years with the increase in medical deserts due to many retirements of general practitioners.

"It is obvious that in three or four years, the figures will show that life expectancy will have further deteriorated in the countryside compared to the city", he predicts, assuring that the aim of this study is "to" alert politicians ”to the health situation in rural areas.

The AMRF had published another study ten days ago which showed that the inhabitants of rural areas "consume 20% less hospital care than those of the cities".

"This shows, alas, that by dint of being away from access to care, people no longer go or go less to the doctor or, when they do, too late", regretted Dominique Dhumeaux.

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  • Medical deserts

  • Rurality

  • Demography

  • INSEE

  • Society

  • Population