UK healthy life expectancy falls in new 21-country study

Healthy life expectancy in the UK has declined over the past decade, diverging from the direction seen in most other high-income countries, according to a study by the Health Foundation thinktank.

The research examined data from 21 countries and found the UK was among only five where healthy life expectancy fell. In the same comparison, the UK’s position dropped from 14th to 20th place, with only the United States ranked lower.

Healthy life expectancy declines for men and women

The study reported a clear reduction over time for both sexes. For men in the UK, healthy life expectancy decreased from 62.9 years in 2012-2014 to 60.7 years in 2022-2024.

For women, the measure fell from 63.7 years in 2012-2014 to 60.9 years in 2022-2024, according to the figures cited in the report.

ONS analysis shows a smaller share of life in good health

Separate analysis by the Office for National Statistics, referenced in the report, also indicates that the proportion of life spent in good health has shrunk. For men, the share declined from 79% to 77%.

For women, the ONS analysis showed a drop from 77% to 73%.

Pressures cited and links to working-age health

The Health Foundation associated the deterioration with several pressures on population health, including rising obesity, more mental ill-health, and an increasing prevalence of chronic conditions.

It also said that in more than 90% of the UK, people now experience illness before reaching the state pension age of 66. The report framed this as relevant to workforce participation and the sustainability of expectations around working later in life.

Government response and remaining uncertainties

Officials at the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the decline and pointed to measures intended to improve public health outcomes. The department cited the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and restrictions on junk food advertising as part of its response.

While the report sets out the UK’s direction of travel and its relative standing among 21 countries, it also leaves open uncertainties about how quickly the trend can be reversed and which interventions will deliver the largest measurable effect. The findings add to policy attention on prevention, long-term conditions, and the health factors that shape how long people can remain active in work and daily life.