8.2C: Variations within Countries
There are significant variations in health and life expectancy within countries (UK or Brazil) that are related to ethnic variations (Aboriginal peoples in Australia) and income levels and inequalities, which in turn impact on lifestyles.
In Britain
There are large variations in health and life expectancy within countries, even those with universal, free healthcare systems such as the UK. In the UK, male life expectancy at birth is around 71 in Manchester, but 86.1 in Harrow, in London. People living in Manchester have almost the same life expectancy as those in North Korea or Nepal!
In some small areas of Glasgow, male life expectancy is around 65. Blackpool (75), Middlesbrough (76), and Liverpool (76) also have male life expectancy rates lower than the national average of 79.5 for men. There are many reasons for this:
- In deprived, post-industrial cities (traditional manufacturing industry closed), male unemployment is high, incomes low and levels of smoking and alcohol consumption are higher than the national average.
- In north-east England, there is a much higher death rate, with a higher proportion of these deaths attributed to smoking and alcohol consumption, certain cancers, and respiratory and heart diseases.
- Diet among low-income groups is often poor, with cheap, high-fat fast food consumed rather than fresh fruit and vegetables (spending on this lower in north east England).
- The combination of low income and poor lifestyles leads to high levels of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, liver and kidney failure - and hence lower life expectancy.
Gender also plays a part - in the UK the life expectancy for women is 3.7 years higher.
Ethnic Variations
Inequality in health and life expectancy can also result from ethnic differences:
The root cause of these differences is poverty. Many Australian Aborigines live in isolated rural communities and have low-paid jobs. Levels of alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse are high. Food can be expensive in isolated communities, and access to healthcare is basic.
In 2009, the Australian government launched the Close the Gap initiative, which, by 2018, aimed to halve the gap in child mortality, and increase the proportion of ATSI students completing high school.
- Australians with European ancestry live nearly 20 years longer than Aboriginal people
- ATSI (Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander) men and women both live 10 years less than the average Australian.
- This is due to:
- relatively high mortality rates in middle age
- high rates of chronic disease and injury
- high levels of deprivation
- a higher prevalence of modifiable and behavioural risk factors, such as smoking, drug taking and alcohol abuse
- lower levels of education and employment
- the social disadvantages they face
The root cause of these differences is poverty. Many Australian Aborigines live in isolated rural communities and have low-paid jobs. Levels of alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse are high. Food can be expensive in isolated communities, and access to healthcare is basic.
In 2009, the Australian government launched the Close the Gap initiative, which, by 2018, aimed to halve the gap in child mortality, and increase the proportion of ATSI students completing high school.
