Healthy life expectancy is falling – here’s why

A new report by The Health Foundation has revealed healthy life expectancy in the UK has dropped. It’s a headline that should stop us all in our tracks. The fact that the number of years people in the UK are spending in good health has fallen by around two years to just under 61 for both men and women is not good news. The current state pension age is 66, which means most people are spending their later retirement years in poor health.

So what’s causing this decline and what can we do to get things back on the right trajectory? The health experts at YourGP offer their opinions…

What’s behind the fall in healthy life expectancy?

Healthy life expectancy represents the average time lived in good health, based on current mortality rates and how individuals perceive their health. Whilst this latest report highlighted overall life expectancy had remained broadly stable, the drop in healthy life expectancy indicates a worrying decline in the nation’s health.

The report pointed to poverty, poor housing and lifestyle factors such as obesity as contributing factors to this decline, as well as the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Take action today

We all want to live a long life, but it’s essential that it’s a healthy one so we can continue to get the most out of it for as long as possible. Everyday habits and lifestyle choices can have a hugely positive impact on healthy life expectancy by boosting physical health and mental wellbeing. Here are 10 suggestions you can put into action today:

1. Eat a healthy diet: Follow a balanced diet, low in processed foods and high in vegetables and healthy fats to nourish your body.
2. Stay hydrated: Aim to drink 2L of water daily to enjoy a multitude of benefits including better digestion, increased concentration and improved skin health.
3. Prioritise sleep: Try to get 8 hours per night to give your body the opportunity to repair and re-energise.
4. Exercise regularly: Aim for either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking or cycling, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise such as running or swimming per week. This will keep your fitness levels up, helping to protect your heart and strengthen your muscles and bones.
5. Drink responsibly: If you choose to drink, make sure you keep to sensible limits. Ideally, aim for under 10 units per week to keep any negative effects to a minimum.
6. Stop smoking: The long-term damage that smoking does to your health is well documented, but improvements can be made as soon as you quit.
7. Head outside: Enjoy the great outdoors, fill up on fresh air, and up your vitamin D levels.
8. Take up a creative hobby: Keep your mind active, improve your hand-eye coordination, and get a real sense of achievement and satisfaction from creating something beautiful.
9. Reach out: Don’t bottle up emotions. Share any worries and reach out for help and support from a friend or relative, or from a professional.
10. Speak to your GP ASAP: Don’t put off screenings and health check appointments, and if you have any health concerns at all, get them checked out as soon as possible.

Speak to the health experts

If you would like more tailored advice about ways to improve your overall health and wellbeing, book an appointment with one of our medical professionals. You can do so via our simple online booking system, by emailing reception@your.gp, or by calling us on 0131 556 2525 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.