New analysis of mortality data exploring reasons behind stalling life expectancy improvements in the UK, has uncovered worrying trends affecting some of the population, including a rising number of avoidable deaths among the under 50s.
New analysis of mortality data exploring reasons behind stalling life expectancy improvements in the UK, has uncovered worrying trends affecting some of the population, including a rising number of avoidable deaths among the under 50s. In fact, the slowdown in mortality improvements has been so large that life expectancy predictions are back to where they were 16 years ago.
Mortality and life expectancy trends in the UK: stalling progress, a new report from the Health Foundation, based on research by the London School of Economics and Political Science, shows inequalities in life expectancy between the richest and poorest have widened since 2011. While people in wealthier areas of the UK continue to live longer, for those living in the most deprived areas, life expectancy is stalling, or even reversing.
For the under 50s, while life expectancy improvements continue in European countries such as France and the Netherlands, the UK is falling behind. The research shows that avoidable deaths, including accidental poisoning from drugs and alcohol and suicide are the leading causes of death among UK adults aged 20-49. This suggests the UK is following worrying trends seen in the US, where there has been a spike in alcohol and drug related deaths among young people. In Scotland, drug-related death rates exceed those of the US, with 218 deaths per million population, compared to 217 per million.
The research also found that women living in the most deprived areas of the UK are now expected to live for 78.7 years, versus 86.2 years in the least deprived, a whole 7.5 years less. Furthermore, the average life expectancy for women in the UK, at 83.1 years, is one of the lowest among comparable countries, more than three years behind Spain. While the slowdown in national life expectancy improvements is not unique to the UK, the report highlights the need for concern, given the UK already had a lower life expectancy than many comparable countries.
In response to the findings, the Health Foundation is calling for the establishment of an independent body to track and analyse trends in mortality, provide expert advice on how best to protect life expectancy and improve it for future generations.
Jo Bibby, Director of Health at the Health Foundation, commented: “These research findings demonstrate just how important it is that we closely monitor life expectancy and mortality trends, particularly for the most vulnerable people in society. Mortality data is complex, and we need an independent view on not only how long people are living for but also why they are dying. This needs to be a priority for the incoming government, so that its findings can start influencing local and national policies as soon as possible.”
To view the report, visit: https://www.health.org.uk/publications/reports/mortality-and-life-expectancy-trends-in-the-uk
