The residents and professionals in two disadvantaged areas in England believe that the higher life expectancy is likely linked to changes in the population. In the UK, those living in the most disadvantaged areas typically die nine years earlier than those in the least disadvantaged areas. Additionally, people in the north of England experience lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, and poorer health and wellbeing compared to the national averages.ls.
Research shows that in the UK, individuals living in the most deprived areas tend to pass away nine years earlier than those residing in the least deprived areas. People in the northern part of England also have lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, and poorer health and well-being compared to the national averages.
This study, which was supported by the NIHR School for Public Health Research, involved the collaboration of Lancaster University, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of Liverpool, and Northumbria University.
The researchers analyzed the changes in life expectancy (LE) after the implementation of…In 2010, austerity policies were implemented, causing a slowdown in life expectancy (LE) improvements. The researchers focused on two specific local authority areas: one rural area in the Northwest and one urban area in the South-East of England. Both of these areas are among the most disadvantaged in England, with life expectancy below the national average of 79.6 for men and 83.2 for women. The study looked at changes in LE at birth and at 65 years between 2010-12 and 2015-17, using data from Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics. Surprisingly, both the Northwest and Southeast areas showed greater gains in life expectancy than expected, given their levels of social and economic disadvantage.advantage. Male life expectancy increased by 1 to 2 years at birth and 0.6 to 1.4 at 65, while female life expectancy rose by 0.6 to 1.6 at birth and 0.4 to 1 year at age 65. Participants interviewed for the study from both areas mentioned population changes as contributing factors. Local efforts, such as collaborative work and directing services to areas in need, may have helped alleviate the negative impacts of economic austerity. In the NW Area, some believed that young families moving into the area were benefiting from lower housing prices and rental costs compared to the more expensive areas near the city center.An official from the local authority expressed concern about the increasing number of people moving into the town, potentially from a larger city. According to data from Rightmove, housing rental costs in the town have recently risen. This has led to speculation that there may be an influx of middle-class individuals seeking to escape city living. The availability of new housing developments and improvements to the town center have also made the area more appealing to those looking to relocate from the city. Despite the lower house prices and rental costs compared to surrounding areas, the town is becoming an increasingly popular choice for new residents.The areas experienced a significant rise in population, which could have implications for the current residents. A resident from the NW Area expressed concern about the difficulties faced by locals, especially those who are already struggling. Meanwhile, in the SE area, there was a perception that young professionals with well-paying jobs were moving in, amidst an already diverse and transient population. A health professional noted that the industry has undergone changes. The HTML code remains unchanged.It was once known as a town dominated by the car industry, with a large car manufacturer at its center and a significant number of middle-aged men working in factories. Now, the town has undergone a transformation, with the emergence of a tech industry attracting a younger population. This shift in demographics has had a notable impact on the town’s overall health. Dr. Rebecca Mead, the lead author of the study, is a Research Fellow at Lancaster University’s NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) Health Inequalities Programme. She emphasized that population changes and austerity measures have been identified as more significant factors by stakeholders, compared to previous concerns about health issues.
The changes in populations within certain areas may be influenced by local strategies and actions. These changes could be a result of policy decisions that impact the overall determinants of health. For example, town center renewal programs in the northwest may be attracting young families, while improved rail links with a major city in the southwest may be drawing in young professionals. While inward migration can have a positive impact on health outcomes and life expectancy, it does not necessarily mean that these areas are resilient in terms of health.
Stakeholders in disadvantaged areas can use this information to consider the unintended effects on existing populations of policies aimed at attracting more affluent individuals to their neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods are facing challenges, such as rising house prices and rent, which are causing current residents to relocate. Professor Matt Egan, an expert in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, pointed out the unequal conditions faced by local authorities in their efforts to improve public health. He explained that some authorities are dealing with more significant issues and limited resources, which may impact their success in addressing the health needs of the community. Egan’s research suggests that the success of health improvement initiatives is not solely determined by the efforts of local authorities, but also by external factors like the local population.The study, titled “Does better than expected life expectancy in areas of disadvantage indicate health resilience? Stakeholder perspectives and possible explanations,” was published in the journal Health & Place in 2024. The reference for the journal article is: Rebecca Mead, Chiara Rinaldi, Elizabeth McGill, Matt Egan, Jennie Popay, Greg Hartwell, Konstantinos Daras, Annabelle Edwards, Monique Lhussier. Health & Place, 87: 103242. DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103242. This study explores the concept of health resilience in areas of disadvantage and its possible explanations.