This study was set up to monitor health by measuring differences in harm caused by disease, injury and death across the entire life course.
Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were used in the research, which combines years of life lost due to early death and years of life lost due to living with ill-health.
What are the main findings?
- Despite an overall projected decline in population by 2043, annual disease burdens could increase by 21%
- This would impact on the need for, and provision of, health and social care
- The report assumes no substantial change to current dietary, exercise and other lifestyle habits in that time period
- Leading causes of death are expected to be cardiovascular diseases, cancers and neurological diseases.
Expert thought: Dr Nick Phin
Director of Public Health Science and medical director at Public Health Scotland
These findings highlight the urgent need for action to address health- related behaviours that may influence health outcomes later in life. A focus on prevention and the underlying issues that can impact on health, such as poverty and deprivation, is essential to help mitigate the challenges in caring for such large numbers of people with these serious and disabling conditions.
Image Credit | Alamy
