by Hammad Alam

In a troubling trend, Scotland has witnessed its life expectancy decline for the third consecutive year, reaching its lowest levels in nearly a decade. Recent data reveals the average life expectancy at birth stands at 76.5 years for males and 80.7 years for females, making it the lowest among all UK nations.

Within Scotland, significant disparities exist, with regions like East Renfrewshire boasting higher life expectancies, where women live up to 84 years and men up to 79.9 years. In stark contrast, Glasgow City experiences the lowest life expectancy, with men and women living only 72.9 years and 78.2 years, respectively.

The data indicates that Scots in wealthier areas have significantly longer lifespans than those in poorer regions, highlighting the impact of economic factors on the disparity.

Dietitian Kerri Major underscores the impact of deprivation, stating, “People struggle to make healthier choices due to economic constraints, often unaware that healthier options are pricier in supermarkets.”

Research by Glasgow University Professor Gerry McCartney has revealed a 6% increase in mortality due to inflation, exacerbating the situation. McCartney attributes “the decrease in life expectancy to a combination of factors, including ongoing austerity, acute COVID-19 impact, indirect effects of lockdown, COVID-19 mitigation measures, and rising living costs.”

Community Pharmacist, Bishnoi says that “In today’s fast-paced world, busy schedules often lead to unhealthy habits like excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diets, especially in poverty-stricken areas.”

However, there’s a growing awareness about the need for change. Efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle have intensified, with community pharmacists and government initiatives playing a crucial role. Despite progress, there’s a consensus that more holistic approaches, including accessible education, affordable nutrition, and increased physical activity, are essential, Pharmacist added. He further added that Communities and policymakers are advocating for enhanced efforts to improve public health, creating a healthier society for everyone.

Despite these findings shedding light on the economic factors at play, the challenge lies in implementing effective solutions to reverse this alarming trend. It remains uncertain whether concerted efforts can halt the decline and foster an increase in life expectancy.