Why Does Italy and Spain Have a Lower Life Expectancy Compared to the U.K. and Germany?

Variations in life expectancy across different regions and nations are influenced by a myriad of interconnected factors, including health factors, lifestyle, cultural differences, and socioeconomic conditions. While countries like Spain and Italy are often praised for their high quality of life and longevity due to the Mediterranean diet and relaxed lifestyle, they nonetheless have a lower life expectancy compared to the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Germany. This article delves into the reasons behind this paradox.

The Role of Lifestyle and Diet

One immediate factor that springs to mind is the lifestyle and diet of the population. Spain is often celebrated for its adherence to the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. This diet is widely acknowledged for its health benefits, including lower rates of heart disease and obesity, which are factors contributing to longer life spans.

However, while the Mediterranean diet is a significant advantage, other lifestyle factors may be at play. For instance, smoking rates in both Spain and Italy are relatively high compared to the U.K. and Germany. According to statistics from the European Smoking Information database, by 2020, about 12% of the Spanish population and 9% of the Italian population were current smokers, whereas these figures in the U.K. and Germany were 14% and 8% respectively. Smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, which can significantly impact life expectancy.

Cultural and Social Factors

The relaxed lifestyle in Spain and Italy is a significant aspect of their culture, promoting a slower pace of life, stress-reducing social interactions, and less work-related stress. Yet, it is important to examine the components of this cultural lifestyle more closely. According to the European Quality of Life Survey by Eurofound, Spain and Italy have higher levels of work-life balance and leisure time compared to the U.K. and Germany, but these advantages are diminished by the higher incidences of chronic diseases, which can be attributed to lifestyle-related risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, and sedentary behavior.

Governments in the U.K. and Germany have implemented robust public health campaigns and policies aimed at reducing these risk factors. For example, the U.K. has stringent regulations on tobacco advertising, while Germany encourages public transportation and cycling to reduce sedentary behavior. In contrast, the focus on a relaxed lifestyle in Italy and Spain, while beneficial in other ways, may be overlooking the importance of active lifestyle choices.

Economic and Socioeconomic Factors

Economic and socioeconomic factors are also significant contributors to life expectancy. Both Spain and Italy have faced economic challenges in recent years, with high levels of unemployment and financial instability. The cost of living, particularly healthcare, can disproportionately affect those with lower socioeconomic status. According to the World Bank data, both Spain and Italy have higher levels of income inequality compared to the U.K. and Germany. This inequality can result in disparity in access to healthcare and health services, translating into poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy.

On the other hand, in the U.K. and Germany, the public health systems are more robust, and there is greater access to healthcare services. Programs such as the National Health Service in the U.K. and the compulsory health insurance in Germany ensure that a larger portion of the population has access to preventive and curative healthcare services. This accessible healthcare contributes significantly to improved health outcomes and higher life expectancy.

Conclusion

The lower life expectancy in Italy and Spain compared to the U.K. and Germany is not solely a result of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. It is a complex interplay of multiple factors, including cultural, economic, and socioeconomic conditions. While lifestyle choices such as diet and smoking play a role, so do economic stability and access to healthcare. Addressing these multifaceted issues could lead to improvements in life expectancy in these regions.