Europe’s Life Expectancy Plateau: A Call for Action on diet, Activity, and Health Policy
Is the modern lifestyle making us live shorter, healthier lives? New research reveals that Europe’s life expectancy growth is stalling, wiht England facing the gravest decline. Experts are urgently calling for a reevaluation of public health strategies to tackle the root causes—poor diet, inactivity, and obesity.
A study published in the Lancet Public Health journal reveals a notable drop in the average annual growth of life expectancy across 20 European nations. The growth rate fell from 0.23 years between 1990 and 2011 to a mere 0.15 years between 2011 and 2019. Every country in the study,except Norway,saw a decline in life expectancy growth.
England suffered the most substantial decrease, with the average annual improvement plummeting from 0.25 years between 1990 and 2011 to just 0.07 years between 2011 and 2019—a fall of 0.18 years. Northern Ireland followed with a 0.16-year reduction, while Wales and Scotland both saw decreases of 0.15 years.
Sarah Price, NHS England’s director of public health, emphasized the urgency: This critically important study reinforces that prevention is the cornerstone of a healthier society, and is exactly why it will be such a key part of the 10-year health plan which we are working with [the] government on.
she further highlighted the need for stronger action: The slowdown in life expectancy improvements, particularly due to cardiovascular disease and cancer, highlights the urgent need for stronger action on the root causes – poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.
While the NHS has implemented initiatives like a 12-week digital weight management program,helping hundreds of thousands lose weight,Price stressed that more action is needed across society as we cannot treat our way out of the obesity crisis,and we need to stem it at source.
The University of East Anglia-led study examined life expectancy changes from 1990 to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic, between 2019 and 2021, further exacerbated the issue. All countries except Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Belgium experienced a decline in life expectancy during this period, with Greece and England suffering the most significant drops.
The study revealed that improvements in tackling heart disease and cancer risk factors contributed to life expectancy gains from 1990 to 2011. Though, from 2011 to 2019, deaths from heart disease became a major factor in the slowdown, coinciding with rising BMI levels and increased exposure to poor diets and low physical activity.
Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium bucked the trend, maintaining or even improving life expectancy, even during the pandemic.Researchers attributed this to lower heart disease and cancer death rates in these countries.
Prof. Nicholas Steel, lead researcher from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, explained: Advances in public health and medicine in the 20th century meant that life expectancy in Europe improved year after year, but this is no longer the case.
He pinpointed the primary cause: We found that deaths from cardiovascular diseases where the primary driver of the reduction in life expectancy improvements between 2011-19. Unsurprisingly, the Covid pandemic was responsible for decreases in life expectancy seen between 2019-21.
Prof. Steel further elaborated on England’s situation: We’re not doing so well with heart disease and cancer. We have high dietary risks in England and high levels of physical inactivity and high obesity levels. These trends are decades long – there isn’t a fast fix.
He emphasized the need for long-term solutions: This is about the big, long-term population protections from risk – so engaging with the food industry to improve our national diet to make it easier for people to eat healthier food and make it easier for people to move a little bit in our day-to-day lives.
Despite the concerning trends,Prof. Steel noted that Life expectancy for older people in many countries is still improving, showing that we have not yet reached a natural longevity ceiling. Life expectancy mainly reflects mortality at younger ages, where we have lots of scope for reducing harmful risks and preventing early deaths.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the challenges, stating that it inherited a struggling NHS with underfunded public health services. However, a spokesperson affirmed their commitment to ensuring people live well for longer
through an upcoming 10-year health plan that will shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention.
Plateau in Life Expectancy: Europe’s call for Holistic Health Reform
In an intriguing turn of events, recent research suggests Europe’s life expectancy is no longer increasing as it once did, signaling a crucial juncture.What causes this plateau, and what can we do about it? We sat down with Dr. Emma Bennett, a renowned public health expert, to delve deep into these pressing questions.
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Bennett, it’s alarming to learn that Europe’s life expectancy growth is stalling, with England facing the most notable declines. What effect does a stalled life expectancy have on society at large?
Dr. Emma Bennett (EB): When life expectancy plateaus, it paints a dire picture of public health. Stagnation in life expectancy signifies unaddressed chronic health conditions, like heart disease and cancer, which are being compounded by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity. These conditions not only reduce life expectancy but also effect the quality of life, increasing the burden on healthcare systems like the NHS. Long-term societal impacts include increased healthcare costs, decreased workforce productivity, and a potential widening of socioeconomic disparities as those with fewer resources face greater health risks.
SE: The study points to dietary risks,inactivity,and obesity as the primary drivers of this trend in England. what steps can be taken to address these root causes?
EB: Addressing these root causes requires a multi-faceted approach. Public health policies should prioritize prevention rather than just treatment. Initiatives could include:
- Nutritional Education: Implementing extensive nutritional programs in schools to create lasting habits.
- Active Living Campaigns: Encouraging physical activity through community events and infrastructure, such as parks and safe walking paths.
- Healthcare Integration: Incorporating lifestyle counseling into primary healthcare, ensuring individuals have access to advice and resources.
- Industry Collaboration: Partnering with the food industry to reformulate products, reducing sugar and fat content to make healthy choices the default.
By integrating these steps into a coherent policy framework, we can hope to see gradual improvements in public health metrics.
SE: norway and other countries seem to manage better outcomes through different approaches. What can other European nations learn from thier success?
EB: It’s crucial to analyze what these countries are doing right. Research shows that nations like Norway attribute their success to comprehensive public health strategies that focus on reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and cancers. These include:
- Public Health Campaigns: Widespread campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and creating awareness about the dangers of unhealthy eating patterns and sedentary lifestyles.
- Strong health Policies: Enforcing policies that promote passive physical activity, like improved urban planning and promoting biking and walking.
- Supportive Surroundings: Creating an environment that supports healthy living, including easy access to fresh produce and recreational facilities.
European nations could adopt similar strategies within the context of their own cultural and social dynamics to improve public health outcomes.
SE: despite the troubling trends, there are still areas of enhancement, like the life expectancy in older populations.What does this suggest about potential areas of focus?
EB: The continued improvement in life expectancy for older populations indicates that solutions are effective when they address the needs of younger demographics. Key areas of focus should include:
- Early Prevention: Implementing preventive measures in childhood and adolescence to tackle health issues before they become ingrained.
- Targeted Health Campaigns: Designing health campaigns that specifically target younger populations to cultivate a culture of health and wellness.
- Innovative healthcare Solutions: Investing in innovative healthcare solutions that focus on prevention and early intervention.
By focusing on the younger population, we can create a ripple effect that improves health outcomes across all age groups.
SE: What role does government play in reversing these trends, and what should be prioritized in the upcoming 10-year health plan according to your expertise?
EB: Government plays a pivotal role in shaping public health outcomes. The upcoming health plan must emphasize prevention over cure.priorities should include:
- Funding for Public Health Services: Ensuring that public health services are adequately funded and integrated into the healthcare system.
- Regulating Food Industry: Enforcing regulations on the food industry to promote healthier food standards.
- Community Health Programs: Expanding community health programs that foster physical activity and healthy eating.
- collaborative Efforts: Encouraging collaboration between government, industry, and community organizations to create a supportive environment for health improvement.
A successful health plan will need to address these areas comprehensively to break the cycle of poor health outcomes resulting from modern lifestyles.
SE: As we conclude, what’s your message to the public regarding the importance of personal responsibility in turning these trends around?
EB: Personal responsibility is crucial, but it must be supported by a conducive environment. Individuals should strive to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines and make informed dietary choices. However, it’s vital to remember that the responsibility also lies with policymakers and industries to create environments that make healthy choices accessible and attractive. By working together—governments, industries, and individuals—we can reverse these troubling trends and foster a healthier society for future generations.
We hope this discussion with Dr. Bennett offers valuable insights into the challenges europe faces regarding life expectancy and provides actionable steps we can all take towards a healthier future. Feel free to share your thoughts on these topics in our comments section or on social media to continue this essential conversation.