Life expectancy: The growing gap between rich and poor - New RKI study

Life expectancy: The growing gap between rich and poor - New RKI study

Why socioeconomic status influences life expectancy

A recent study examined the increasing gap in average life expectancy between socially disadvantaged and wealthy people. The analysis by the Robert Koch Institute clearly shows that people in economically disadvantaged regions die earlier on average than their wealthier fellow citizens.

Impact on population health

The growing disparity in life expectancy has far-reaching implications for population health. Differences in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease contribute to people with low socioeconomic status having a higher risk of death.

Particularly for lung cancer and other treatable cancers, the mortality rate is significantly higher in poorer regions. This is not only due to more difficult access to medical care, but also to changing behavior in relation to risk factors such as smoking.

Causes and solutions

The Robert Koch Institute points out that preventive measures can have a decisive influence on life expectancy. A healthy diet, regular exercise and early medical examinations play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease and other fatal diseases.

Compared to other European countries, Germany lags behind when it comes to average life expectancy, especially when it comes to cardiovascular diseases. To address this issue, targeted measures are needed to ensure that all population groups have access to high-quality healthcare.

Future developments

There is an urgent need for governments and health authorities to take action to reduce social inequality in healthcare. By expanding preventive programs and improving access to medical care, the long-term life expectancy of all population groups can be increased.