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Mayor Bloomberg: New Yorkers Living Longer Than Ever

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New Yorkers are living it up.

According to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New Yorkers are living longer than most people anywhere else in the country.

Despite the fact that New York City is known for its notorious traffic, stress, and go-go-go, it looks like the positives prevalent in the city are outweighing the negatives.

The latest statistics show life expectancy in the Big Apple is 80.6 years – more than two years longer than the national average. It's also up almost three years since 2000.

"If you want to live longer and healthier than the average American, then come to New York City," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday. "If you have friends and relatives that you really care about and they live elsewhere, on average, if they move to New York City, they will live longer."

1010 WINS' Al Jones reports

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Babies born in 2009 are looking at 80.6 years of life, 40-year-olds have another 42 years left and 70-year-olds can expect 16.9 more years in NYC, according to the city's Department of Health.

Not only did the city's life expectancy rate surpass the national rate, it also improved faster than any other major city for both men and women.

"New York City residents are healthier than ever," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs. "Cleaner air, safer streets, healthier food - these all contribute to improved quality of our lives, and added years of life."

Officials tout the city's health interventions -- including smoking prevention programs and expanded HIV testing and treatment -- have contributed to the increase in life expectancy.

New Yorkers credit their active lifestyle for their higher life expectancy and city health officials say they are right. New York City actually has one of the lowest obesity rates in the country.

"An active lifestyle is one of the best things you can do to be healthy. Probably only second only to quitting smoking," Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City's Health Commissioner, said.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond On The Story

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Farley said since 2002, nearly half a million New Yorkers quit smoking. In addition, early identification and treatment of HIV infection has greatly reduced AIDS and HIV-related mortality.

Officials said drug-related deaths and the infant mortality rate also have fallen.

City health officials also credit city-wide smoking prevention programs, expanded HIV testing and treatment and lower crime rates. People who spoke with CBS 2, however, chalk it up to the vivacious nature of the bustling city.

"The spark of the energy here keeps you young and alive," Janet Paszkiewicz said.

What do you think is contributing to NYC's high life expectancy?  Share your thoughts in the comments section...

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