Regional health disparities between the regions of England show a very worrying gap. In areas where the means are limited, as in Barnsley and Blackpool, residents are growing faster and less healthy than those in more favored regions such as Wokingham. This situation illustrates striking differences in healthy life expectancy, with notable consequences for quality of life.
A gap that makes you think
In some parts of England, healthy life gaps are really striking. HAS Barnsleywomen can hope to live 52 years and eight months Without concern for major health. HAS Wokinghamit is rather 70 years and 10 months For women. In men, it’s not better: those of Blackpool only reach 51 years and nine months in health, while those of Wokingham are closer to 70 ans.
These figures clearly show the gap between richer and less favored regions. Thus, women in the less affluent areas benefit from 50,5 ans healthy life, while in rich regions, they benefit from 81,5 % of their healthy life. The gap of healthy life expectancy then reaches 20,2 ans For women and 19 ans For men between these regions.
Several factors in question
Various elements aggravate these disturbing inequalities. First, access to quality care remains limited in disadvantaged areas. Then, the eating habits often less balanced and at a lower cost amplify the situation. In addition, reduced physical activity and daily stress linked to economic precariousness are added to health difficulties.
The data provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that these disparities have accentuated in the last decade. The COVVI-19 pandemic also played an important role in this degradation. Greg Cely, responsible for monitoring the health of the population at the ONS, said: “The pandemic has led to an increase in mortality, which our estimates of life expectancy are reflected”.
Tracks to restore balance
Faced with these observations that challenge, it is now time to act in order to reduce these differences. Among the solutions proposed, there is the implementation of targeted and sustainable actions to combat poverty. Improving access to healthy and affordable food should also help make quality of life better in these regions, as is access to financial aid.
In addition, encouraging the regular practice of physical activity could help reduce the gap of healthy life expectancy between the different areas, as well as home care. It is also essential to guarantee equitable access to complete medical care, including prevention and early detection of chronic diseases.
These collective efforts are not only intended to prolong the lifespan, but above all to improve the quality of the time lived, so that everyone can fully enjoy every moment.
The task is size, but it offers a unique opportunity to transform our social system and promote better social justice, here even in the modern United Kingdom.
