The world is living longer, but not necessarily healthier. This phenomenon, known as the morbidity gap, is a growing concern as it highlights the disparity between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington has recently published a study in The Lancet Public Health that sheds light on this global issue. The findings are alarming, showing that while life expectancy has increased, the number of years spent in poor health has also risen, creating a widening gap.
The study reveals that the global morbidity gap increased from 8.8 years in 1990 to 10.7 years in 2023. In 2023, people spent an average of 14.5% of their lives in poor health, compared to 13.6% in 1990. This trend is not limited to the elderly but affects people across all adult age groups. The gap is particularly pronounced in economically developed countries, where high survival rates from acute events like strokes or heart attacks coexist with a significant portion of the population living with chronic conditions.
Greece serves as a stark example of this demographic and health transition. Despite having one of the highest life expectancies in the EU, at around 81.9 years, the country's healthy life expectancy is notably lower, at approximately 69 to 70 years. The study also highlights a significant gender disparity, with women spending 12.1 years in poor health and men spending 9.3 years.
The leading causes of lost good health in Greece, as identified by the IHME study, include musculoskeletal disorders, mental health disorders, cardiometabolic and chronic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions not only impact the quality of life but also place a substantial burden on the national health system and the economy.
In Greece, specific behaviors contribute to the widening morbidity gap, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, the abandonment of the Mediterranean diet, high smoking rates, and environmental factors like air pollution and extreme heat exposure. These factors have a significant impact on public health and the sustainability of the healthcare system.
The implications of the morbidity gap are far-reaching. It puts pressure on health infrastructure, leading to increased hospital admissions, polypharmacy, and long-term hospitalization. The financial cost of managing chronic diseases is substantial, absorbing a significant portion of the health budget and limiting resources for prevention. Moreover, the informal care provided by family members for the elderly and disabled affects employment and workforce productivity.
In conclusion, the morbidity gap is a critical issue that requires urgent attention. It highlights the need to shift the focus from simply extending life expectancy to adding real, healthy years to people's lives. Addressing this gap will require a comprehensive approach that includes promoting healthy behaviors, improving healthcare systems, and investing in preventive measures to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
