The ONS have published insights on mortality rates and have found startling differences for the life expectancies for those in different socio-economic groups.
Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her 96th birthday this year, whereas in 1926, the year of her birth, the life expectancy for women was only 62.
The International Longevity Centre estimates that 0.15% of the UK are of the same age, or older than the Queen. Numerous others in the Royal Family also have had extended life expectancies, such as Prince Phillip who reached 99 and the Queen Mother who was 102.
Although life expectancies have dramatically improved over the lifespan of the Queen, there are many determining factors towards a person reaching such ages.
Life expectancy can be altered by numerable factors, including, but not limited to, wealth, access to healthcare, diet, genetics, housing and education.
Research from the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) shows how those who live in deprived areas die significantly younger than those in affluent areas.
The graph below shows the difference between the most deprived populations life expectancy compared to the least deprived populations between 2017 and 2019. It shows a 9.4 year gap between males and 7.7 year gap in females.
Figure 1: Life expectancy, England, 2017 to 2019
Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)
However, the graph below shows the leading causes of mortality between 2015 and 2019 in most – and least – deprived areas in England. This demonstrates that for all leading causes of death the most deprived areas are more significantly affected.
Figure 2: Mortality rates in England from leading causes of death in most – and least – deprived areas. From 2015 to 2019.
Source: Public Health England (PHE) based on ONS data
There are many factors which are shown to exacerbate these causes of death and poor health such as smoking, poor diet, alcohol and drug abuse, and poor-quality housing.
All of these factors are shown to be more prevalent in the least deprived areas.
Covid-19 has obviously seriously affected mortality rates, but the rate at which disadvantaged people were affected was far greater, and more severe. ONS data shows deaths from COVID-19 were twice as high at the start of the pandemic for the most-deprived areas.
Research suggests this is due to overcrowded housing and deprived incomes due to lesser paid work being unable to be performed remotely.
Will this change?
As part of the government’s levelling up plan, one aim is to improve life expectancy and healthy life expectancy for all areas by 2030.
The Levelling Up White Paper sets out to do this with healthy eating initiatives, introduce Tobacco Control plans, and setting up Community Diagnostic Centres.
These will target all areas, but are aimed to narrow the gap between the most under-privileged areas and most-privileged. However, with so many factors influencing life expectancy, it remains uncertain what effect these changes will have.
