The time people in Scotland spend in good health has fallen to a near ten year low, according to new figures published by National Records of Scotland.
The latest figures show that in 2021-2023 females can expect to enjoy 60 years of good health and males 59.6 on average at birth. Healthy life expectancy at birth has been falling since 2014-2016.
However, over the last decade healthy life expectancy has remained relatively stable for males and females aged 65 to 69. In 2021-2023, healthy life expectancy for females in this age group was 10.7 years, and for males 9.6.
There are big differences in healthy life expectancy across council areas. There is more uncertainty around estimates for smaller populations such as island authorities in Shetland and Orkney which show the longest times spent in good health.
Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics at NRS, said: “Between mainland authorities there are also big differences in healthy life expectancy at birth. North Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire have the lowest healthy life expectancies for males and females. This compares with Perth and Kinross where the average female has around 14 years longer healthy life expectancy and the average male around 13 years more spent in good health.”
Figures published by ONS show that Healthy Life Expectancy is also falling in England and Wales. However, Healthy Life Expectancy is estimated to be higher in England than in Scotland and Wales.
The statistics are calculated using a new methodology and are classed as official statistics in development.
