Declining Life Expectancy in England Sparks Urgent Call for Health Interventions

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Life expectancy growth in Europe is stalling, with England witnessing the most significant decline, according to research published in the Lancet Public Health journal. The average increase in life expectancy dropped from 0.23 years per year (1990-2011) to 0.15 years (2011-2019), with all countries except Norway experiencing a slowdown. England's average annual improvement fell by 0.18 years, prompting concerns from health officials.

NHS England's director of public health, Sarah Price, points to poor diet, inactivity, and obesity as key contributors to this trend, highlighting the need for more effective preventive measures. Prof. Nicholas Steel from the University of East Anglia, who led the study, noted cardiovascular diseases have been the primary driver of reduced improvements in life expectancy. The analysis spanned 20 European nations from 1990 to 2021, revealing that the countries maintaining life expectancy gains had low rates of heart disease and cancer.

In response, the Health Department acknowledged the challenges faced by the NHS and reiterated its commitment to enhancing public health efforts, including a shift toward preventive care in its upcoming 10-year health plan.

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