Poorest women have same ill health at 60 as richest at 76 – UK study

A new study finds a major healthcare disparity between poorest and richest women in the UK.

A 60-year-old woman living in the poorest areas of England has the same level of illness as a woman 16 years older who lives in the richest areas.

The study, conducted by the Health Foundation, found that people living in poorest areas also have greater levels of multiple diagnosed illness. 

Large inequalities in the burden of disease are concentrated within a few diagnosed conditions, including chronic pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression, alcohol problems and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers also found that health inequalities start at an early age, with higher rates of diagnosed mental health conditions, alcohol problems and chronic pain starting to develop as early as the late teens and early twenties. 

Toby Watt, lead author, said: “In human terms, these stark disparities show that at the age of 40, the average woman living in the poorest areas in England is already being treated for her long-term illness,

“This condition means discomfort, a worse quality of life and additional visits to the GP, medication or hospital, depending on what it is. At the end of the spectrum, the average 40-year-old woman will live a further eight years – about 10 per cent of her life – without diminished quality of life through illness.”

Findings highlights a profound healthcare disparity also between the north and the south of England. The study found that people living in the north of England have the highest health care needs due to diagnosed morbidity.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The pandemic shone a light on the stark health inequalities that exist across the country – we are committed to levelling up the health of the nation so that everyone can live longer, healthier lives, regardless of their background.

“We have set up the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities to drive progress in improving health and reduce these unacceptable disparities, focusing on the places and communities where ill health is most prevalent.”