Healthy Life Expectancy Drops By Two Years For Men And Women Over The Past Decade

Healthy life expectancy drops by two years for men and women over the past decade Healthy life expectancy has fallen by around two years for both men and women globally over the past decade, according to a major new report released by the World Health Organization The WHO’s latest global health report highlights a worrying decline in the number of years people live in good health. Between 2015 and 2025, the average healthy life expectancy dropped by approximately two years for both men and women. The decline is linked to a combination of factors, including rising rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses, as well as widening social and economic disparities in healthcare access. According to the report, while life expectancy globally has increased, the quality of those years measured by free of illness or disability has worsened. The findings also point to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated existing health inequalities, as well as disruptions in preventive care and public health services. Experts warn that without urgent policy intervention, the decline in healthy life expectancy could put greater pressure on healthcare systems and reduce overall quality of life. While life expectancy has grown in many parts of the world, experts emphasize that longevity must come with good health, not just extended years. The WHO called for stronger global investments in preventive healthcare, improved access to medical services, and measures to address socioeconomic disparities that drive health outcomes. As nations grapple with these declining healthy years, policymakers and health leaders say the next decade will be critical in reversing the trend and ensuring better health for future generations.