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A recent report reveals a decline in the number of years that people in the UK spend in good health. Over the last ten years, healthy life expectancy (HLE)—the time individuals live free of significant health issues—has decreased by about two years, now standing just under 61 for both men and women. This downward trend places the UK among only five of the wealthiest 21 countries where HLE has worsened, with the UK experiencing one of the steepest drops.
The analysis, conducted by the Health Foundation using data from the Office for National Statistics covering the periods 2012–2014 and 2022–2024, highlights substantial disparities based on socioeconomic status. Those living in the wealthiest 10% of areas can anticipate around 20 additional years of good health compared to individuals in the poorest areas. For example, Richmond in London recorded the highest HLE figures at 69 years for men and 70 for women, whereas Blackpool recorded 51 years for men and Hartlepool 51 for women. Notably, London was the only region to show an improvement in HLE during this period.
More than 90% of UK areas now have an HLE below the state pension age (66 or 67), and in 10% of districts, it falls under 55 years. This decline has serious consequences for people’s employment capabilities, echoing other evidence pointing to a large number of individuals out of work due to ill health. On an international scale, based on World Health Organization data comparing the UK with countries across Western Europe, the Nordics, North America, and Oceania, the UK ranks 20th out of 21, with only the United States having a shorter period of healthy life expectancy.
The Health Foundation emphasized the considerable economic impact of these findings and warned that policymakers must treat this trend as a critical turning point. Andrew Mooney, the think tank’s principal data analyst, noted, “The UK has the highest levels of obesity in western Europe and there has been a surge in mental ill health, especially among young people.” He added that poor health is not only driving people out of the workforce but also preventing young people from accessing education, employment, and training opportunities. Despite this decline in healthy years, overall life expectancy in the UK has remained relatively stable. Dr Layla McCay, policy director at the NHS Alliance, called the data “a stark reminder of how deeply health inequalities are affecting people’s lives” and stressed the importance of preventative measures, including addressing social determinants of health, improving community care, and enhancing access to local support services
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