"The two-year decline in healthy life expectancy in Britain is devastating. In a wealthy country like the UK, people should not be living with sickness or disability earlier than they were a decade ago."
"Worsening mental health among younger adults is the area of sharpest deterioration, and in some age groups, physical health was reported as having improved."
"The decline cannot be put down to the pandemic. The UK now sits in 20th place just above the US in healthy life expectancy among high-income countries."
"The government's promised shift to prevention shows that it recognizes the need for change, but socioeconomic causes of physical and mental illness are less easily targeted."
The decline in healthy life expectancy in Britain is alarming, especially given the country's wealth and medical advancements. The Health Foundation's analysis indicates worsening mental health among younger adults, while some age groups report improved physical health. The implications for public services are significant, particularly as the retirement age rises to 67, leaving many in poor health before retirement. The UK ranks low among high-income countries, and there is a call for prioritizing health alongside economic growth. The government acknowledges the need for preventive measures, but socioeconomic factors complicate health improvements.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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