ONS data and recent trends
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides regular updates on UK life expectancy. The most recent data, covering 2021 to 2023, shows the period life expectancy for females in the UK is 82.8 years. Period life expectancy is a measure based on age-specific mortality rates of a given period.
The impact of recent events on life expectancy
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary decline in life expectancy. While there has been a slight recovery, life expectancy remains below pre-pandemic levels. A slowdown in improvements had been noted since around 2011, linked to factors like reduced progress in tackling cardiovascular diseases.
Healthy life expectancy vs. total life expectancy
Healthy life expectancy (HLE) estimates years lived in 'very good' or 'good' health. Data shows UK females live longer than males but may spend more later years in poor health.
Regional variations in female longevity
Female life expectancy varies across the UK, with deprivation being a significant factor.
- England: Generally has the highest life expectancy. London and the South East had the highest figures in 2021–2023, the North East the lowest.
- Scotland: Consistently has the lowest life expectancy. Glasgow City recorded the lowest in Great Britain during 2021–2023.
- Wales: Falls between England and Scotland.
- Northern Ireland: Recently, it has been slightly higher than in Wales.
Factors influencing female longevity
Several factors contribute to the average lifespan of women.
- Biological factors: Biology, including XX chromosomes and estrogen, plays a role.
- Lifestyle factors: Lower rates of smoking and drinking among women historically contributed to the longevity gap. Access to preventative healthcare is also significant.
- Socio-economic factors: Deprivation is strongly linked to reduced life expectancy. Higher income and education are associated with better health.
- Regional disparity: Location and local deprivation levels significantly impact life expectancy.
Comparison of female life expectancy by UK country (2021–2023)
| Country | Female Life Expectancy (Years) | Difference from UK Average (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 82.8 | 0.0 |
| England | 83.0 | +0.2 |
| Scotland | 80.8 | -2.0 |
| Wales | 82.0 | -0.8 |
| Northern Ireland | Not available for 2021-2023 report | N/A |
Note: Data for Northern Ireland for 2021–2023 were not included in the source table but will be published later.
Conclusion
The average lifespan of a woman in the UK is 82.8 years, indicating national health. This figure is influenced by factors like location, socio-economic status, and lifestyle. Improvements have slowed over the past decade, worsened by the pandemic. Future increases depend on addressing health inequalities.
To learn more about UK population health statistics, you can visit the official {Link: Office for National Statistics website https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies/bulletins/nationallifetablesunitedkingdom/2020to2022}.
