New analysis commissioned by think-tank from the Office for National Statistics revealed a decline in working age adult health between 2011 and 2021, with declines most likely in deprived areas.
Jo Bibby, director of health at The Health Foundation, said: ‘Good health allows us to work, enjoy life and take part in our families and communities. But more working age people are struggling with their health and the gap between the most and least healthy is getting wider. This evidence points to the urgency of a more preventative approach.
‘Our analysis shows why we need action on the building blocks of health, such as our jobs, our homes and our income. Strengthening these foundations means focusing on prevention, helping people stay healthy for longer and supporting them to stay active in work and take an active role in society.'
One in five (18%) working‑age people in the most deprived areas no longer reported good health after ten years, compared with 13% overall.
People living in the poorest areas were much more likely to lose good health than those in the wealthiest areas, about 40% to 70% higher risk, even after taking factors like age, background and other social factors into account, with women seeing some of the largest differences across levels of deprivation.
Females aged 25–29 in the most deprived areas had a 70% higher risk of losing good health than those in the least deprived areas. Males aged 25–29 in the most deprived areas had a 69% higher risk.
Women aged 55–59 in 2011 had a 57% higher risk of losing good health if they lived in the most deprived areas. Men aged 55–59 in 2011 had a 51% higher risk.
More people in the most deprived areas reported no longer being in good health by the time they reach state pension age (66 years old).
Women who were unemployed and seeking work in 2011 had a 67% higher chance of no longer reporting good health ten years later. Men who were unemployed and seeking work had an 82% higher chance.
Women out of work due to long‑term sickness or disability had a 272% higher chance of no longer reporting good health. Men out of work due to long‑term sickness or disability had a 279% higher chance.
