As reported by the National Health Executive, health inequalities in England widened between 2011 and 2021, with adults in deprived areas far more likely to see their health decline, according to new research from the Health Foundation
Using linked Census data from the Office for National Statistics, the analysis examined how self-reported health changed over the decade. Researchers say the findings highlight the strong influence of deprivation, place and employment on long-term health, and raise concerns about the impact of rising State Pension ages on people already experiencing poorer health.
Most working-age adults remained in good health during the period, but this fell sharply with age. Around 84% of people aged 16–69 stayed in good health across the decade, compared with 65% among those aged 65–69.
Deprivation was a major factor. In the poorest areas, 18% of working-age adults lost good health over ten years, compared with a national average of 13%. Even after adjusting for background factors, people in the most deprived communities faced a 40–70% higher risk of declining health than those in the wealthiest areas.
The gap appeared early and was particularly pronounced among women. Women aged 25–29 in deprived areas were about 70% more likely to experience worsening health than those in the least deprived areas, while the figure for men was 69%. Among adults aged 55–59, the risk remained higher at 57% for women and 51% for men.
The analysis also found that people in deprived communities are more likely to lose good health before reaching the current State Pension age of 66.
The Health Foundation says the findings strengthen the case for greater investment in prevention in disadvantaged areas, better access to secure and high-quality work, and policies that address the structural drivers of poor health.
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