Life Expectancy Stalls Across Europe, England Faces Sharpest Decline

Life expectancy growth in Europe has slowed significantly in recent years, with England witnessing the sharpest decline, according to recent research published in Lancet Public Health. The study, which examined life expectancy changes across 20 European countries from 1990 to 2021, paints a concerning picture for public health, with poor diet, rising obesity rates, and physical inactivity cited as major contributors to the decline. Norway stands out as an exception, maintaining steady or improved life expectancy.

A Troubling Trend: Declining Life Expectancy Across Europe

The average annual growth in life expectancy across Europe dropped from 0.23 years between 1990 and 2011 to just 0.15 years between 2011 and 2019. This slowdown in progress is particularly alarming, as it reflects the compounding impact of unhealthy lifestyle choices that have become more prevalent across the continent. The study notes that all 20 countries, except Norway, experienced this decline, underlining a broader trend that is concerning for both public health officials and citizens alike.

England’s Struggles: A Sharp Decline

England, in particular, experienced the most significant drop in life expectancy growth, with the average annual improvement falling from 0.25 years between 1990 and 2011 to just 0.07 years between 2011 and 2019. This represents a dramatic reduction in the pace of life expectancy improvement, which researchers attribute to a mixture of poor diet, lack of physical activity, and soaring obesity rates.

The situation in other parts of the UK is similarly worrying. Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland all saw notable declines in life expectancy improvements as well, though England bore the brunt of the slowdown. Sarah Price, NHS England’s Director of Public Health, emphasized the need for stronger prevention strategies to address the root causes of these declines, particularly cardiovascular disease and cancer. She stressed that prevention should be at the heart of public health initiatives, as these conditions are often preventable through lifestyle changes.

Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: The Primary Drivers

One of the key drivers behind the slowdown in life expectancy is the rising number of deaths due to heart disease and cancer. As Professor Nicholas Steel, lead researcher from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, explained, cardiovascular diseases were a primary factor in the reduction of life expectancy growth from 2011 to 2019. These diseases, along with cancer, have been linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, high body mass index (BMI), and low physical activity.

The rise in obesity, particularly in countries like England, has compounded these issues, leading to an increased incidence of heart disease and certain cancers. The report also highlights the growing pressure on healthcare systems across Europe, which are struggling to cope with the increasing demand for treatment for these preventable diseases.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the decline in life expectancy, particularly between 2019 and 2021. All countries studied, except for Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Belgium, experienced a drop in life expectancy during this period. Greece and England saw the largest declines, reflecting the compounded toll of the pandemic and pre-existing health challenges.

The pandemic revealed the vulnerability of many populations to health crises, especially those with pre-existing conditions like heart disease and obesity. In countries where public health systems were already under strain, the pandemic intensified these challenges, leading to even more pronounced declines in life expectancy.

Norway’s Success: A Model for Other Nations

While most European countries saw life expectancy improvements stall or decline, Norway stood out as an example of success. Researchers pointed to Norway, along with Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium, as countries that managed to either maintain or even improve life expectancy during this period, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. These countries benefitted from strong public health policies that addressed the risk factors for heart disease and cancer, including improved access to healthcare, healthier diets, and greater physical activity levels.

Professor Steel noted that these countries have focused on reducing the harms associated with major risk factors, such as high-fat diets and smoking, through government policies and public health campaigns. In contrast, England and other UK nations struggled with poor dietary habits, high levels of physical inactivity, and rising obesity rates, which have hindered life expectancy growth.

The Urgent Need for Policy Change

The findings of the study underscore the urgent need for stronger government policies to tackle the root causes of declining life expectancy. The experts behind the study call for greater investment in public health initiatives, particularly those focused on improving diet, increasing physical activity, and addressing obesity.

In England, the NHS has launched initiatives like the 12-week digital weight management programme to help people lose weight and improve their health. However, Sarah Price stressed that more comprehensive action is needed across society to stem the tide of obesity and its related health issues. She highlighted the importance of working with the food industry to make healthier food options more accessible and affordable, as well as encouraging people to be more active in their daily lives.

The need for prevention and early intervention is crucial, as the study highlights that many of the diseases contributing to the decline in life expectancy, such as heart disease and cancer, are preventable with lifestyle changes. Preventing these diseases through education, policy reform, and community engagement can help reverse the current trends and improve life expectancy across Europe.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Improved Life Expectancy

Despite the current challenges, researchers remain optimistic that life expectancy can improve in Europe if the right measures are taken. They note that life expectancy for older people in many countries is still improving, indicating that there is still potential for progress. However, they emphasize that more attention must be paid to reducing early deaths caused by lifestyle-related diseases, as these have the most significant impact on overall life expectancy.

The findings of the study serve as a wake-up call for governments across Europe to take stronger action in addressing the root causes of the decline in life expectancy. By prioritizing prevention, improving public health infrastructure, and encouraging healthier lifestyles, Europe can reverse the current trend and set a course for a healthier future.

The slowdown in life expectancy growth across Europe, particularly in England, is a concerning development that requires urgent attention from governments, healthcare providers, and individuals alike. The rise in obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity are key factors behind this decline, but they are also factors that can be addressed through policy change, public health initiatives, and education. By focusing on prevention, early intervention, and healthier lifestyles, Europe has the potential to reverse these trends and ensure that life expectancy continues to rise in the years to come.