- Written by Nick Triggle
- health correspondent
image source, Getty Images
Apparently, the disease is widespread among the working-age population.
The Office for National Statistics issued another warning this week about the number of people being forced out of the job market because of poor health.
But it's not just the unemployed who are affected. Research by the Health Foundation shows that as many people between the ages of 16 and 64 are in jobs that limit what they can do for their health as they are out of work for health reasons.
Overall, we estimate that almost a fifth of the UK's working-age population is in so-called restricted work conditions.
In fact, the think tank believes the problem has worsened to the point that it threatens the country's economic potential.
brew for a long time
So why are working-age people getting so sick? Christopher Locks, who leads the Health Foundation's work in this area, says the situation is “complex”.
He said that while there has been a lot of attention to this issue since the pandemic, the trend has actually been developing for at least the past decade.
“The 2008 financial crisis had a huge impact on society. We saw an economic downturn and cuts in public spending. It affected people's health in many ways. The pandemic and the ensuing cost of living crisis has worsened the trend, but the signs were there'' before Covid hit.
“Access to health care has become more difficult, while fundamental components of health, such as good housing and adequate income, are under pressure.”
How it affected people depends on their age and where they live. A study published this week warned of a significant increase in the number of people with severe illness. The most disadvantaged communities suffer the most, many with multiple conditions.
The study, also published by the Health Foundation, found that there are three main conditions that contribute to serious poor health: chronic pain, type 2 diabetes, and mental health problems. Each reflects different challenges facing this country.
suffering from pain
Charity Versus Arthritis says chronic pain is known as an invisible condition because it is often invisible. But it can have devastating effects, preventing people from working, socializing, and even robbing them of their independence.
Chronic pain, caused by underlying inflammation or damage to the body's tissues, typically refers to persistent or recurrent pain that lasts more than three months. It is most commonly associated with conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or joint problems related to the back, shoulders, and neck.
The aging of the population, with people in their 50s and 60s making up a large proportion of the working-age population, is the main reason for this rise.
But the situation is getting worse because people are finding it increasingly difficult to access treatment, says Tracy Loftis, head of policy at Versus Arthritis.
Hospital waiting lists have increased almost consistently over the past decade as spending on health services comes under pressure.
And Ms. Loftis points out that joint treatments such as knee and hip replacements have some of the longest wait times of any specialty. “Behind every statistic are people, many of whom are suffering, living with unimaginable pain,” she added.
young people's struggle
Then there are mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. It is increasing in all age groups, but especially among young people.
A report released in February by the Resolution Foundation found that young people are now more likely to experience mental health problems than any other age group, compared to 20 years ago when they were least likely to experience mental health problems. The situation is completely reversed.
It found that more than a third of 18- to 24-year-olds reported symptoms of mental illness.
The findings have led some to question how real this trend is. Are young people now able to talk more openly about mental health issues?
Dr Shari McDade from the Mental Health Foundation said: 'While that is no doubt a contributing factor to the numbers being reported, the impact of the past few years cannot be underestimated. He was a toddler,” he said. About the 2008 financial crisis.
“They lived through the chaos and conflict of Brexit, then the pandemic. What happened with lockdown and schooling affected a generation of young people in their most formative years.
“They face a cost-of-living crisis where they have to deal with young people starting their working lives with great financial stress and finding themselves in poor-quality, insecure jobs.The harmful events are cumulative. We know that the more experience you have, the more likely you are to find yourself in a dangerous situation.'' “
But she also said the influence of social media cannot be ignored, citing the bullying many people have experienced and the way it can trigger body image insecurities through “highly idealized” ways of presenting themselves. Ta.
social deprivation and disease
The fact that type 2 diabetes is listed as a top three cause is another result of the changing nature of society: our diets and sedentary lifestyles.
The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex. Age, family history, ethnicity, etc. can be factors, but being overweight is the main cause.
Almost three quarters of adults are overweight or obese, leading to an increase in type 2 cases, according to Diabetes UK. Although uncommon, the increase is particularly rapid among those under 40.
image source, Getty Images
Social deprivation is a significant risk factor, with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes more than twice as high in the most deprived regions as compared to the least deprived. Income, education, housing and access to healthy food are all strongly linked to developing the disease, the charity says.
Tackling all this is a big challenge, especially when public finances are so tight. This week's report from the Health Foundation said tackling the root causes of poor health will require a cross-government approach and additional investment in the NHS, councils and the voluntary sector.
“If you want a healthy economy, you need a healthy workforce,” Locks added.
The report also says employers need to do more, including improving working conditions, supporting employee health and making reasonable adjustments for employees who are limited in what they can do for health reasons. Says.
The experience of Lee Vaughan, 50, who works as a leisure center manager in Sheffield, shows how people with health problems can be supported.
He has battled chronic pain for decades. In his early 20s, he had to undergo a hip replacement due to arthritis.
His pain is further exacerbated by emotional factors such as stress, fatigue, irritability, and anxiety.
“Over the years, I've learned how to live with the pain, but it's really debilitating. There have been times when I've had to take time off work. Fortunately, my My employer has been very understanding. They have made adjustments and I am now working part-time.
“That's really important. Without that support, I would have had to quit my job.”
