Recent official figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal that people born in England and Wales in recent years can expect to spend fewer years of their life in good health compared to those born over a decade ago. Factors that may contribute to this decline include Covid-19, healthcare delays, and an increase in long-term sickness. Experts also point to deeper social issues such as inequality as playing a role in this trend.
Men born in England from 2020 to 2022 can expect to spend 62.4 years of their life in good health, which is 9.3 months less than those born from 2011 to 2013. Similarly, women in England can expect to live 62.7 years in good health, a drop of 1.5 years in just over a decade. Wales had the lowest average Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) for both men and women, with men in Northern Ireland seeing an increase in HLE while women saw a decrease.
The overall drop in HLE is believed to be driven by Covid-19, healthcare delays, and a rise in long-term sickness post-pandemic. The U.K.’s healthcare system has been struggling to address surgery backlogs that grew significantly during the pandemic, leading to an increase in the number of patients waiting for elective procedures. Prior to Covid-19, there had been minimal change in healthy life expectancy up to 2017-19.
The ONS figures also highlight a deep north-south divide in England, with significant variations in the amount of time people can expect to live healthily. This divide is attributed to deep-seated socio-economic inequalities between different communities, with the north of England lagging behind the south on measures such as wages, public investment, and overall life expectancy. Despite efforts like the “Northern Powerhouse” initiative aimed at addressing these disparities, substantial divisions still exist across the country.
The impact of these geographical inequalities is evident in the state of child and adult health in England, which is described as poor and declining. This not only has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities but also results in significant costs to society and the economy. Experts emphasize the need for “bolder” action from the government to help people live longer and healthier lives, viewing it as a sound investment and urgent priority rather than a burden on public finances.
The new HLE statistics underline the wide geographical disparities in England, with healthy life expectancy in the north east being almost seven years shorter for males and six years shorter for females compared to the south east. Experts stress the importance of addressing these inequalities through effective policies and interventions to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities across different regions of England.
