The concept of healthy life expectancy (HLE) provides a vital measure of a population's well-being, assessing the years spent in good health rather than just lifespan. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights recent trends, significant regional disparities, and key factors influencing these figures across the UK. Understanding these statistics is essential for addressing public health challenges and reducing inequalities.
Latest UK healthy life expectancy statistics (2021–2023)
Recent ONS data for 2021 to 2023 shows important trends in HLE. While full UK figures are pending, data for England and Wales provides a clear picture.
- England: Males had an HLE of 61.5 years at birth, and females had 61.9 years.
- Wales: Figures were slightly lower, with males at 60.3 years and females at 59.6 years.
- COVID-19 impact: HLE has fallen in England and Wales for both sexes since the pre-pandemic period (2017 to 2019), with larger drops for females.
- Regional disparity: In England, HLE at birth is significantly higher in areas like Wokingham (69.7 years for males) compared to Blackpool (51.7 years for males).
Healthy life expectancy vs. overall life expectancy
It is crucial to distinguish between healthy life expectancy and overall life expectancy. Overall life expectancy measures the total average years a person is expected to live, while HLE measures the average years they can expect to live in 'good' or 'very good' health, as self-reported.
| Feature | Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) | Overall Life Expectancy (LE) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Average years lived in self-perceived 'good' or 'very good' health. | Total average number of years a person is expected to live. |
| Recent trend | Has generally stagnated or fallen in England and Wales over the past decade, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. | Also stalled and saw a sharp fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, although it has seen some recovery. |
| Gender differences | Females live longer than males but spend a greater number of years, and a higher proportion of their lives, in poor health. | On average, females live longer than males. |
| Regional variation | Huge disparities exist between affluent and deprived areas; the gap in HLE can be wider than the gap in LE. | Significant regional differences persist, with a notable north-south divide. |
Factors influencing healthy life expectancy
Numerous factors contribute to the variations in HLE across the UK.
Socio-economic inequalities
Research consistently shows a strong link between socio-economic status and HLE. People in more deprived areas not only live shorter lives but also spend a larger proportion of their lives in poor health.
- Deprivation: The difference in HLE at birth between the most and least deprived areas in England is significant, often exceeding the gap in overall life expectancy.
- Regional divide: There is a stark North-South divide in England, with northern regions generally having lower HLE compared to London and the South East.
Lifestyle and behavioral risk factors
Individual choices and habits significantly impact HLE. Key risk factors include smoking, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption.
Healthcare and wider determinants
Access to quality healthcare and wider social factors also impact HLE. Constraints on NHS funding and capacity, as well as cuts to social care spending, particularly in deprived communities, affect overall health outcomes. Focusing on preventative healthcare, such as addressing obesity and smoking, is crucial for improving HLE.
Conclusion
Latest ONS data (2021 to 2023) indicates that the average healthy life expectancy in the UK is around 61 to 62 years, with variations across the constituent countries. This average hides significant inequalities based on gender and socio-economic status. HLE has also been negatively impacted in recent years, particularly by the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve health outcomes and reduce disparity, addressing lifestyle risk factors, improving access to health and social care, and tackling socio-economic inequality are essential.
How to improve your healthy life expectancy
Individuals can take steps to increase their years lived in good health:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
- Manage weight.
- Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
- Utilise healthcare services for early detection and management of chronic conditions.
- Prioritize mental well-being, as it's linked to self-reported health.
For more detailed analysis of the UK's population health, consider resources from the King's Fund.
