UK’s Healthy Life Expectancy Declines by Two Years Over the Last Decade
Healthy life expectancy in the UK has declined by around two years over the past decade, falling to just under 61 years for both men and women. This trend indicates that people in the UK are spending fewer years in good health, according to a recent report by the Health Foundation.
Factors Behind the Decline in Healthy Life Expectancy
The report suggests several underlying causes for the decline in healthy life expectancy, including poor housing, obesity, and the effects of deprivation. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also contributed to this downward trend. The Health Foundation highlighted that poverty and lifestyle factors are significant contributors to the reduction in years spent in good health.
Data from the Office for National Statistics covering the periods 2012-2014 and 2022-2024 shows a stark inequality in healthy life expectancy between different areas. People living in the wealthiest 10% of areas can expect to enjoy about 20 more years of good health compared to those in the poorest areas.
Regional Differences and Economic Impact
- In England, Richmond in London recorded the highest healthy life expectancy, with 69 years for men and 70 years for women.
- In contrast, Blackpool had the lowest for men at 51 years, and Hartlepool had the lowest for women at 51 years.
- London was the only region to see an improvement in healthy life expectancy during this period.
More than 90% of areas now have a healthy life expectancy below the state pension age of 66 or 67, and in one in ten areas, it is below 55 years. This decline affects people’s ability to work and aligns with other data showing high numbers of people out of work due to ill health.
International Comparison and Policy Implications
When compared globally using World Health Organization data, the UK ranks 20th out of 21 wealthy countries for healthy life expectancy, with only the United States having a lower figure. While overall life expectancy has remained broadly stable, the decline in healthy life expectancy points to worsening health quality during life.
The Health Foundation called the findings a wake-up call for policymakers, emphasizing the economic costs of poor health. Andrew Mooney, the Foundation’s principal data analyst, noted the UK’s high obesity rates and rising mental ill health, particularly among young people, as key challenges.
Dr Layla McCay, policy director at the NHS Alliance, stressed the importance of prevention and addressing wider determinants of health. She highlighted the need to strengthen community-based care and improve access to support closer to home to reduce health inequalities.