Healthy life expectancy in UK has declined over last decade, study reveals
Health
April 29, 2026

Healthy life expectancy in UK has declined over last decade, study reveals

132 words · ~1 min read
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B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:00

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New research from the Health Foundation shows that people in the UK are living fewer years in good health than ten years ago. The study used official data to measure "healthy life expectancy," or the number of years people live without serious illness or disability.

The results show that healthy life expectancy has dropped for both men and women in the UK. The UK now ranks lower than most similar countries. In many areas, people can no longer expect to stay healthy until the state pension age.

Experts say more people are leaving work early due to long-term health problems. They warn that high rates of obesity, mental health issues, and inequality are making the situation worse. The report suggests the government should do more to prevent illness and support public health.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
researchN/rɪˈsɜːtʃ/

studies or investigation to discover new facts

measureV/ˈmeʒə(r)/

find size or amount using a standard way

expectancyN/ɪkˈspektənsi/

the amount of time likely to happen

officialADJ/əˈfɪʃl/

from people in authority or the government

inequalityN/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/

the state of not being equal or fair

preventV/prɪˈvent/

to stop something from happening

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About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

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Question 1 of 9
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What does the new research from the Health Foundation show?

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Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.

Healthy life expectancy in UK has declined over last decade, study reveals

April 29, 2026~1 min read
Not sure? Take the level test →
B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:00

Follow spoken words in real time.

New research from the Health Foundation shows that people in the UK are living fewer years in good health than ten years ago. The study used official data to measure "healthy life expectancy," or the number of years people live without serious illness or disability.

The results show that healthy life expectancy has dropped for both men and women in the UK. The UK now ranks lower than most similar countries. In many areas, people can no longer expect to stay healthy until the state pension age.

Experts say more people are leaving work early due to long-term health problems. They warn that high rates of obesity, mental health issues, and inequality are making the situation worse. The report suggests the government should do more to prevent illness and support public health.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
researchN/rɪˈsɜːtʃ/

studies or investigation to discover new facts

measureV/ˈmeʒə(r)/

find size or amount using a standard way

expectancyN/ɪkˈspektənsi/

the amount of time likely to happen

officialADJ/əˈfɪʃl/

from people in authority or the government

inequalityN/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/

the state of not being equal or fair

preventV/prɪˈvent/

to stop something from happening

Ready to learn these 6 words?

About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

9 questions
Question 1 of 9
1 / 9

What does the new research from the Health Foundation show?

Choose an answer to continue

Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.