Europe’s Life Expectancy Crisis: What Went Wrong?

Topic

applied sciences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What were the general trends in life expectancy in European countries between 1990 and 2021? From 1990 to 2011, most European countries experienced steady improvements in life expectancy. This rate of improvement slowed down between 2011 and 2019 in almost all countries studied (with Norway being the exception). From 2019 to 2021, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of countries experienced a decrease in life expectancy.
Which countries were able to maintain improvements in life expectancy after 2011 and during the COVID-19 pandemic? What factors contributed to this? Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden were able to maintain improvements in life expectancy after 2011. These countries generally had better maintenance of reductions in mortality from cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms, underpinned by decreased exposures to major risks. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021), Ireland also showed improvements. These countries were potentially better prepared to withstand the pandemic.
What were the main causes of death that contributed to improvements in life expectancy between 1990 and 2011? What shifted after 2011? Cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms were the main causes of death contributing to improvements in life expectancy between 1990 and 2011. After 2011, deaths from cardiovascular diseases became the primary driver of reductions in life expectancy improvements, and during 2019–21, respiratory infections and other COVID-19 pandemic-related outcomes were the primary causes for the decrease.
What are the major risk factors that contributed to deaths from cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms in 2019? The major risk factors observed for both cardio vascular diseases and neoplasms were dietary risks, tobacco smoke, high BMI, high fasting plasma glucose, air pollution, other environmental risks, and low physical activity. For cardiovascular diseases specifically, high systolic blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol were also prominent risk factors. For neoplasms, occupational risks and high alcohol use were additional factors.
How did exposure to major risk factors change between 1990 and 2021? Exposure to tobacco smoke steadily decreased in all countries from 1990 to 2021. In contrast, exposure to high BMI steadily increased in all countries. Reductions in exposure to high LDL cholesterol and high systolic blood pressure slowed or began to reverse around 2011 in many countries. Exposure to dietary risks, high alcohol use, and low physical activity remained elevated or slightly increased in most countries.
What role did government policies play in the observed trends in life expectancy? The study suggests that government policies that improve population health also build resilience to future shocks. Countries that maintained improvements in life expectancy after 2011 often had policies that reduced exposure to major risks for cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms. These policies include addressing harmful diets, low physical activity, tackling the commercial determinants of poor health, and ensuring access to affordable health services.
How might fiscal policies, such as austerity measures, have impacted life expectancy? Austerity regimes and reduced spending on public services and benefits following the 2007-08 economic recession may have contributed to the slowdown in life expectancy improvements. These policies can increase exposure to risks such as poverty, poor diet, food insecurity, and poor housing, all of which negatively impact health.
What are the implications of the study’s findings for future policy and research? Policy makers should implement cross-sectoral strategies addressing economic, social, and commercial health determinants. This includes reducing dietary risks, improving physical activity, ensuring healthcare access, and addressing health inequalities. Further research is needed to understand factors affecting life expectancy and to develop interventions for improving population health and resilience to future health crises.

Significance

Understanding these findings helps advance our knowledge and inform better decisions. This research represents an important contribution to the field. For the full details, watch the video above and explore the linked resources.

Resources & Further Watching

Read the paper ‘Changing life expectancy in European countries 1990–2021: a subanalysis of causes and risk factors from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021’ written by Nicholas Steel, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, UK: https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(25)00009-x

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europe s life expectancy crisis what went wrong

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