Healthy life expectancy in the UK has fallen by nearly two years over the past decade, according to a new analysis, highlighting growing health inequalities and raising concerns about the long-term impact on the economy and workforce.
The report by the Health Foundation found that people in the UK now spend less time in good health, with average healthy life expectancy (HLE) dropping to just under 61 years for both men and women.
Decline in Healthy Life Expectancy Across the UK
The findings, based on data from the Office for National Statistics comparing 2012–2014 with 2022–2024, show a clear downward trend in the number of years people live without serious health issues.
The UK is now among only a handful of wealthy nations to experience a decline in healthy life expectancy, ranking 20th out of 21 comparable countries. Only the United States recorded a lower figure.
Experts warn that the drop represents one of the steepest declines among developed nations, signalling deeper structural problems affecting public health.
Sharp Divide Between Rich and Poor Areas
The report highlights stark regional and socioeconomic inequalities, with people living in the wealthiest areas enjoying up to 20 more years of good health than those in the poorest communities.
In England, areas such as Richmond in London recorded the highest healthy life expectancy, reaching around 69 years for men and 70 for women. In contrast, some of the lowest figures were seen in Blackpool and Hartlepool, where healthy life expectancy falls to around 51 years.
London was the only region to record an improvement during the period, while most other parts of the country experienced declines.
Majority Living Fewer Healthy Years Than Retirement Age
In more than 90% of areas, healthy life expectancy is now below the state pension age of 66 or 67, meaning many people are spending a significant portion of later life in poor health.
In around one in 10 areas, people can expect fewer than 55 years of good health, raising concerns about the sustainability of the workforce and increasing pressure on healthcare services.
The findings align with broader data showing rising levels of economic inactivity due to long-term illness across the UK.
Causes Linked to Poverty, Lifestyle and Pandemic Impact
The Health Foundation attributes the decline to a combination of factors, including poverty, inadequate housing, and lifestyle-related health issues such as obesity.
The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have also played a role, with increased mental health challenges and disruptions to healthcare services contributing to worsening overall health outcomes.
Experts note that the UK now has some of the highest obesity rates in western Europe, alongside a significant rise in mental health conditions, particularly among younger people.
Economic and Social Impact Raises Alarm
Analysts warn that declining healthy life expectancy carries substantial economic costs, as poor health limits people’s ability to work and participate in education or training.
The trend is expected to place additional strain on public services, including the NHS, while reducing productivity and economic growth.
Despite the fall in healthy life expectancy, overall life expectancy has remained relatively stable, meaning people are living longer but spending more years in ill health.
Calls for Preventative Action and Policy Reform
Health experts are urging policymakers to prioritise prevention and address the root causes of poor health, including social and economic inequalities.
There are calls to improve housing conditions, expand access to community healthcare, and invest in early intervention to reduce long-term health risks.
The findings are being described as a critical turning point, with experts warning that without decisive action, health inequalities will continue to widen and further impact the UK’s social and economic stability.