Working-age adults reported a decline in health between 2011 and 2021, with those living in more deprived areas even more likely to see a decline in their self-reported health.
This is according to an analysis commissioned by the Health Foundation from the Office for National Statistics which found that where people live and their employment status can play a significant role in changes in self-reported health over a decade.
Measuring changes
Linking Census data across two points – 2011 and 2021 – has made it possible to measure changes to self-reported health over that decade and how those changes vary across social and demographic groups.
The Health Foundation’s analysis of ONS data showed clear patterns in how age, place, and work status shape your likelihood of reporting good health and how that changes over time.
Over the 10 year period, 84% of 16- to 69-year-olds were still in good health – while only 65% of 65- to 69-year-olds were still in good health.
It found that while health naturally declines with age, where people live strongly influences the rate of health decline, with one in five (18%) working‑age people in the most deprived areas no longer reporting good health after 10 years, compared with 13% overall.
People living in the poorest areas were much more likely to lose good health than those in the wealthiest areas, about 40% to 70% higher risk, even after taking factors like age, background, and other social factors into account.
Females saw some of the largest differences across levels of deprivation.
Continuing disparities
The research indicated that these disparities start early in adulthood and continue into older working age.
Females aged 25 to 29 in the most deprived areas had a 70% higher risk of losing good health than those in the least deprived areas. Males aged 25 to 29 in the most deprived areas had a 69% higher risk.
Women aged 55 to 59 in 2011 had a 57% higher risk of losing good health if they lived in the most deprived areas. Men aged 55 to 59 in 2011 had a 51% higher risk.
More people in the most deprived areas reported no longer being in good health by the time they reach State Pension age (66 years old).
Link between employment status and health outcomes
Employment status was also closely linked to health outcomes, with people in work being used as the comparison group.
Women who were unemployed and seeking work in 2011 had a 67% higher chance of no longer reporting good health 10 years later. Men who were unemployed and seeking work had an 82% higher chance.
Women out of work due to long‑term sickness or disability had a 272% higher chance of no longer reporting good health. Men out of work due to long‑term sickness or disability had a 279% higher chance.
Building blocks of health
Jo Bibby, director of health at the Health Foundation, said: “Good health allows us to work, enjoy life, and take part in our families and communities.
“But more working age people are struggling with their health, and the gap between the most and least healthy is getting wider,” Bibby added. “This evidence points to the urgency of a more preventative approach.
“Our analysis shows why we need action on the building blocks of health, such as our jobs, our homes, and our income.
“Strengthening these foundations means focusing on prevention, helping people stay healthy for longer, and supporting them to stay active in work and take an active role in society.”
