By alex 
Introduction
In recent findings from Eurostat based on 2022 data, Malta has emerged as the leading country in the European Union for healthy ageing. As European populations live longer, the focus on quality of life during old age has become increasingly vital.
Healthy Life Expectancy: What It Means
Healthy life expectancy measures the number of years an individual is expected to live without disabilities or significant limitations. This metric provides insight into how well countries are supporting their ageing populations to stay healthy and active.
Malta Tops the Rankings
Both men and women in Malta enjoy exceptional healthy life years. Women can expect about 70.3 years of healthy living, whereas men can expect 70.1 years. This data underscores Malta’s robust health system and its effectiveness in managing chronic diseases.
The Best Countries for Healthy Ageing
For Women
- Malta: 70.3 healthy life years
- Bulgaria: 68.9 healthy life years
- Slovenia: 68.5 healthy life years
- Italy: 67.8 healthy life years
- Greece: 67.8 healthy life years
For Men
- Malta: 70.1 healthy life years
- Sweden: 67.5 healthy life years
- Italy: 67.1 healthy life years
- Greece: 66.2 healthy life years
- Cyprus: 65.7 healthy life years
The Worst Countries for Healthy Ageing
For Women
On the other end of the spectrum, Denmark ranks lowest for women with only 54.6 healthy life years. Despite a strong public health system, higher cancer rates contribute to this low figure. Other countries with poor outcomes include:
- Denmark: 54.6 healthy life years
- Latvia: 55.4 healthy life years
- The Netherlands: 56.3 healthy life years
- Finland: 56.5 healthy life years
- Portugal: 58 healthy life years
- Slovakia: 58 healthy life years
For Men
- Latvia: 53 healthy life years
- Slovakia: 56.6 healthy life years
- Denmark: 57.1 healthy life years
- Estonia: 58 healthy life years
- Lithuania: 58.2 healthy life years
Comparative Analysis
Overall, eight countries show that people shouldn’t expect to enjoy healthy ageing into their 60s: Latvia, Denmark, Slovakia, Finland, the Netherlands, Romania, Portugal, and Estonia. The quality of life varies significantly across the EU, and where one lives can heavily influence their healthy life expectancy.
Gender Differences in Healthy Ageing
Across the EU, women generally have a slightly higher healthy life expectancy than men, standing at 62.8 years compared to men’s 62.4 years. However, men typically spend a larger percentage of their life expectancy in good health compared to women. Specifically, healthy life years constitute 75% of life expectancy for women and 80% for men. This suggests that while men may live shorter lives, they experience fewer years in poor health.
Life Expectancy VS Healthy Life Expectancy
It is crucial to note that having a higher healthy life expectancy does not necessarily correlate with higher overall life expectancy. For example, Bulgaria ranks high in healthy ageing but has one of the lowest overall life expectancies in the EU at 75.8 years.
Conclusion
These findings emphasize the importance of robust healthcare systems and preventative measures to ensure longer, healthier lives. Malta’s standout performance highlights the impact of nearly universal health coverage and effective chronic disease management on healthy ageing. However, the disparity between countries also shows significant room for improvement in healthcare and lifestyle habits across the EU.
Implications for Policy and Future Research
Policymakers can use this data to identify areas in need of improvement and implement strategies to enhance the quality of life for ageing populations. Further research is essential to understand the underlying factors contributing to these disparities and to formulate targeted interventions.