es.euronews.com
Slowdown in European Life Expectancy Linked to Lifestyle Factors and COVID-19
A new study in The Lancet Public Health reveals that while life expectancy in Europe has increased, the rate of increase slowed in the 2010s, further impacted by COVID-19, with the UK and Germany among hardest hit, while Nordic countries fared better; the study suggests that government policies can impact longevity.
- How did the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic vary across different European countries, and what factors might explain these variations?
- The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed 16 European countries. The slowdown in life expectancy increase from 0.23 years annually (1990-2011) to 0.15 years (2011-2019) was attributed to increased cardiovascular deaths. Countries like the UK and Germany experienced greater stagnation than Nordic nations.
- What factors contributed to the slowing and subsequent decline of life expectancy in Europe during the 2010s and the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Life expectancy in Europe, while reaching 80 years today, saw a slowdown in the 2010s, declining 0.15 years annually before a pandemic-related drop. This deceleration, unlike previous decades of increase, was linked to rising cardiovascular deaths from obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.
- What policy interventions could European governments implement to increase life expectancy and address the underlying factors contributing to recent declines?
- Post-pandemic, life expectancy rebounded somewhat, yet Austria, Finland, Estonia, Netherlands, Greece, and Germany still saw declines in 2023. The study suggests that government policies promoting healthy lifestyles and healthcare access could reverse recent losses, highlighting the link between public health initiatives and longevity.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the decline in life expectancy as a significant issue, highlighting the stagnation and decline in several European countries, particularly in the UK, Germany, and Spain. While acknowledging the increase in life expectancy in previous decades, the focus is heavily placed on the recent decline and its causes, potentially creating a narrative of concern and prompting readers to consider the factors influencing health outcomes. The headline, if there were one, likely would reinforce this emphasis.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. Terms like "plummeted" and "stagnated" are strong, but accurately reflect the data presented. However, using milder terms such as "decreased" or "slowed" might soften the tone slightly without compromising accuracy.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the decline and stagnation of life expectancy in Europe, but it could benefit from mentioning other factors contributing to overall global life expectancy trends. Additionally, while mentioning the impact of governmental policies, it could provide more specific examples of successful policies implemented in Nordic countries that contributed to their resilience during the pandemic. The article also lacks a discussion of potential genetic factors influencing lifespan variations across different European populations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a decrease in life expectancy in several European countries, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years leading up to it. This is directly relevant to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The decline is attributed to factors like increased deaths from obesity-related heart disease, poor diets, lack of exercise, and the impact of the pandemic. The study suggests that government policies play a significant role in influencing health outcomes and life expectancy.