People around the world will on average spend 10 years in ill health during their lifetimes, a rise of 15% in the last 30 years according to research from Vitality and Rand Europe.
The insurer and not for profit research institute have also developed an algorithm which enables individuals to work out their likely healthy lifespan.
The algorithm will provide individuals with a personalised view of their lifespan and healthspan – the number of years spent in good health – as well as bespoke recommendations for improving these measures.
It has been launched alongside the research which indicates an average 15% increase since 1990 in the number of years that people will spend in ill health over their lifetimes, from 8.5 years to 9.8 years, equating to approximately 18% of the average lifespan.
While China has seen a significant increase of 19% to 9.1 years, the UK and US have both seen a 14% increase within the same timeframe, meaning the average number of years spent in ill health in these nations is close to 12 years and 13.5 years respectively.
Adrian Gore, chief executive of Vitality’s parent company Discovery, said: “Incentivising positive lifestyle changes in a world forever changed by the global pandemic can have a profound impact on the health of individuals and reduce the burden on health services.”
He added: “Over the last 30 years, scientific change has driven increases in lifespan. Improving healthspan globally will require a greater focus on behaviour change – with benefits for individuals, the economy and society.”
The research and algorithm will be launched at Vitality’s global conference chaired by author and anthropologist, Gillian Tett.