THEY say age is but a number - and residents of a South Bucks town boast some of the highest in the country after it was revealed as one of the best places in the UK to grow old.

According to new figures published by PublicHealth England, Marlow is the fifth top town for life expectancy, with women on average reaching the ripe old age of 95.7.

And with overall life expectancy a lengthy 88.9, residents approaching retirement can breathe a sigh of relief as they put their feet up for longer than they may have previously expected.

Mayor Suzanne Brown, who is manager of Marlow Age Concern alongside her ceremonial duties, is uniquely placed to witness the quality of life enjoyed by the town’s thriving golden oldies.

She said: "I am not surprised at all, I think we have a very good quality of life. It’s because of where we live we’re very lucky but mainly because of the huge community spirit.

"People do not have trouble hopefully finding someone to talk to or go to, whether that is out on the High Street or elsewhere.

"We are very lucky and elderly people are very well looked after, there are many clubs, societies, and then there are theatre trips and the boats trip run by Rotary.

"There’s really a sense of watching out for the elderly, there are people that will help look after their neighbours, for instance if they are cutting their lawn and offering to do theirs as well, and I’d like to see more of that."

The top 20 list, compiled and published by the Sunday Telegraph, puts Marlovians’ longevity down to the draw of the riverside setting, steep house prices, pretty town centre shopping and attractive surrounding landscape.

With the UK population ageing, the number of over-65s is predicted to rise to 19 million nationally by 2050.

As well as affluent surroundings and lifestyle, Marlow has a wealth of clubs and societies for older people, with Marlow Town Council throwing a party each year for the town's OAPs.

The thriving retirement scene in Marlow is reflected with a number of new retirement homes, including a huge complex on Little Marlow Road, which officially opens this week.

Sarah Loveday, from Signature Care Homes, which is behind the 79-apartment Cliveden Manor, said: "We are delighted to hear that the life expectancy in Marlow is well over the national average. Marlow is such a lovely place for us all to live and work. You tend to find that once people move to the town, they may move to a different property, but they don’t want to move away again!

"we are receiving a great deal of interest from this older generation who have lived in Marlow for all or much of their lives and wish to remain in the town."