Mental health disorders, substance abuse, and musculoskeletal conditions emerged as major contributors to reduced quality of life, particularly in the United States. While people are living longer, these chronic conditions significantly diminish the quality of those additional years.
The researchers utilized comprehensive data from the World Health Organization's Global Health Observatory, examining health trends from 2000 to 2019. They calculated a "health-adjusted life expectancy" by measuring the years people live without disability, then compared this to total life expectancy to determine the "health gap."
The study found that life expectancy increased by 6.5 years during the two-decade period, but health-adjusted life expectancy rose by only 5.4 years. This means people are living longer, but not necessarily healthier.
In the United States, the health gap widened dramatically. Women's life expectancy increased from 79.2 to 80.7 years, while men's rose from 74.1 to 76.3 years. However, health-adjusted life expectancy remained virtually unchanged for women and increased minimally for men.
Mental health disorders, substance abuse, and musculoskeletal conditions emerged as major contributors to the health gap, particularly in the United States.
The researchers acknowledged several limitations. The health gap calculations depend on disability weights assigned to various health conditions, which can be influenced by survey methods and the potential over-representation of unaffected individuals.
The findings underscore a critical global challenge: as medical advances help us live longer, we're not necessarily living better. The widening health gap suggests an urgent need to shift from treating diseases to preventing them.
The study highlights the importance of proactive wellness strategies. Instead of simply extending life, healthcare systems should focus on maintaining quality of life throughout aging.
The research was supported by the Marriott Family Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.