Things are looking good for Sheila McKay. As a resident of East Dunbartonshire who recently turned 65 she still has plenty of life in her - at least 20.3 years to be precise, according to new figures.

The Scottish Government yesterday released the latest statistics on life expectancy which show that those living in the area have the longest lives of all Scots. Women who are 65 now will, on estimate, live until they are just over 85. East Dunbartonshire men who have made it to pensionable age will live for, on average, 17 more years.

Residents of East Dunbartonshire aged one or two should be around to celebrate their 80th birthday, the statistics predict.

Mrs McKay is not too surprised. She and her friend Jeanette Hogg, 62, both from Bishopbriggs, walking yesterday in Mugdock Country Park, believe that health is key to a good life and that the firm foundations of good housekeeping, as laid down by their mothers, are essential for their wellbeing.

Mrs McKay, a former bank worker, said: "I think we have had a good life. We keep on the go and do our exercises."

Mrs McKay, who likes badminton and aquafit - plus lengthy weekly walks in the park. - said "We make all our food from scratch and don't buy takeaways or ready meals. That was the way of life our parents and we have carried that into our own lives."

Mrs Hogg agreed that good nutrition was the key to wellbeing. "We are interested in food and cooking, always have been. We have never eaten rubbish."

Good food was also central to the way Elaine Differ, 38, of Torrance, was brought up by her mum Lily, 64, and guides Ms Differ as she raises her son, Craig, five.

"I always make sure Craig gets his five a day," said Ms Differ. "I think people in this part of the world are quite health-conscious and know the value of good food."

Her mother, a former school meals attendant, agreed: "We always had the fish man come round, the chicken man and then we grew our own fruit and vegetables. Our children were brought up eating well and that is something my daughter has picked up, too."

Ms Differ added: "We try and keep everything healthy, eat organic if we can afford it and keep active. I give my son fish oil supplements. They are expensive but it is something I am willing to spend my money on."

The picture of good living painted in East Dunbartonshire by the life expectancy statistics is mirrored in Shetland, where over the past decade the life expectancy of a newborn male has increased by four years, to 76.1. The national average is 74.8.

The average life expectancy of a newborn female in Scotland is now 79.7 years - a rise of just over two years. In Shetland, it is 82.6 - a rise of 2.5 years in a decade.

Those living in Shetland who are 65 can expect to live 19 or so more years - two more than the Scottish average for people of that age.

Sarah Taylor, director in public health at NHS Shetland, said that low unemployment and low deprivation in Shetland helped to keep life expectancy high.

"There are lots of things about living in places like Shetland that are very positive and if you have a job, and can reach the services you need, then the quality of life becomes very high. In rural areas, social cohesion and community links play a big part in overall wellbeing," Ms Taylor said.

The level of wellbeing is not as high across Scotland which has a life expectancy rate not far above some of the poorest eastern European countries - such as Slovenia, Estonia and Hungary.

The highs in East Dunbartonshire are in marked contrast to the lowest rate of life expectancy in Glasgow, though they are geographical neighbours.

The City of Glasgow has the lowest life expectancy for both females (77.1) and males (70.8), although prospects are better newborn. They will live, on average, two years longer than if they had been born a decade ago. Girls born in Edinburgh will live until they are 81 and boys till 76.

Yesterday, Public Health Minister Shona Robison, said: "Life expectancy in Scotland is improving but not quickly enough. There are still unacceptable inequalities, some focussed in our most deprived communities This Scottish Government is committed to tackling these and improving the life expectancy of all Scots."