Pensioners in cities who are lucky enough to live near green open spaces tend to live much longer than those stuck in the "concrete jungle", say researchers.

A study by Japanese researchers, published on Tuesday, found that the quality of an older person's surroundings were a good indicator of their survival chances - even after their wealth and actual ages had been accounted for.

The scientists, from the Tokyo Medical and Dental School, recommended that "greenery filled public areas" should be a key priority for urban planners.

However, a spokesman for Age Concern said a fear of crime prevented many pensioners in the UK getting out and about.

It's well documented that physical activity contributes to the health

Spokesman, Age Concern

The researchers looked at the records of 3,144 people over 80 across a five year period - during which 897 of them died.

The pensioners had been quizzed about their surroundings - whether there were tree-lined avenues to walk down, and even how many hours of sunlight entered through their house windows.

When the questionnaire answers were tallied against the records five years later, there was a clear correlation between a poor environment and likelihood of mortality.

Exercise factor

The researchers wrote, in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health: "The factor of walkable green streets and spaces near the residence significantly and positively influenced the five year survival of senior citizens.

"Master plans for urban development should pay more attention to increasing greenery-filled public areas that are easy to walk in and are within easy walking distance of every household."

A spokesman for Age Concern England said that exercise was important for elderly people.

She said: "It's well documented that physical activity contributes to the health and there is considerable evidence that being physically active can help maintain independence and mobility as well as prolonging life.

"However, a high percentage of older people do worry about crime."