A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that average life expectancy is stalling across Europe, and England has experienced the sharpest decline. Between 1990 and 2011, the annual growth in life expectancy fell from 0.23 years to 0.15 years between 2011 and 2019.
In England, the decline was even more pronounced, with the gain in average annual life expectancy falling from 0.25 between 1990 and 2011 to just 0.07 between 2011 and 2019.
What are the reasons for declining life expectancy?
Research, led by the University of East Anglia, has identified the reasons for the decline as an increase in sedentary lifestyles, poor diets and rising rates of obesity.
These factors have led to increased rates of heart disease and cancer, which not only end lives prematurely but also reduce the number of years spent living in good health, or the ‘healthspan’ of the population.
What can be done to tackle the issue?
Speaking to The Guardian, Sarah Price, NHS England’s director of public health, said: “This 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.”
“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.”
Countries such as Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Belgium were most successful in maintaining or even improving their annual life expectancy. They also had correspondingly lower rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer, which the researchers attributed to policies to tackle physical inactivity and obesity.
How can men take charge of their health?
Men in the UK live on average four years less than women, and they are more likely to be affected by heart disease and obesity. However, it is possible for men to be proactive and take charge of their future health at any age. Here are some steps to consider.
Eat a heart healthy diet
The British Heart Foundation recommends eating a well balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Intake of foods high in saturated fats, sugars and salt should be limited.
Stay active
It is easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle as the majority of people work in front of a computer and spend more leisure time interacting with screens. The NHS advises that adults take at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Try to build activity into your daily routine, such as a brisk lunchtime walk or using the stairs instead of the lift.
Manage stress
Stress can contribute to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, and worse mental health. If you are experiencing chronic stress, take steps such as regular exercise, meditation, or seeking professional support.
Address sexual health issues
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often an early warning sign of heart disease and related conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Many men find discussing ED with a doctor or pharmacist uncomfortable, but it’s important to address any underlying causes.
The doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as those mentioned above, and some patients may also benefit from using ED medication such as Viagra (which is cheap to buy online under the generic name of Sildenafil).
The expert opinion
Lead researcher Prof Nicholas Steel, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “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 added: “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 quick fix.”
“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.”
By taking a proactive approach to your health with small but consistent lifestyle changes, it is possible to improve both your lifespan and your healthspan.
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