Britain in 25 Years: Old and Obese?
How to care for the elderly is a constant worry for many on a private level and also on a governmental one. The UK is currently confronted with the problem of a population that is ageing and growing obesity figures – and experts are worried this will push the nations economy over the brink once again.
The Institute for Public Policy Research, a leading think tank in Britan, published a report titled “The Long View”. As reported in Britain’s The Independent, the report analyses the future development of public services in 2030. It also calls for a reassessment of public spending in the decades ahead, deeming current measures unsustainable for a longer period of time.
Based on official figures, in the coming 25 years the number of people aged over 85 is expected to more than double. Obesity is another growing threat to the nation’s health, with almost 50% of men and 43% of women moving towards it by 2030. Therefore, spending in these areas is expected to increase as well and may cost billions.
Since the younger working population is smaller, the tax intake from it sinks as well. According to the Independent article, the Office for Budget Responsibility predicts that Britain’s Budget will arrive at a deficit of 0.6% in 2030.
The Institute further suggested politicians may have to consider not the most comfortable options, namely making certain types of public services a priority.
Britain’s NHS further explained the issue on its website, focusing of course on the health aspect. The forecasts above are based on studies which observed data on obesity from the US and UK. These two countries have the highest obesity levels in the world, based on figures from the last two decades. Implementing preventive measures is currently a concern of politicians. While health risks from obesity and its related deceases have been known for a while, economic repercussions must be taken seriously, considering the current state of the European economy on a whole.
I just love news about health, they keep me on my toes!
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