Responding to Sir Keir Starmer’s speech on NHS reform, David Sinclair, Chief Executive of the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC) said:

“There was a lot to welcome in Sir Keir’s speech – particularly the emphasis on integrated community care and the focus on addressing the stark inequalities in healthy lifespans and on preventing mental and physical ill health”.

“Poor health is a huge burden on society and on individuals. There is an incredible dividend to longevity on many different levels if we can introduce policies which achieve healthier ageing for all. With over 2.5 million not working due to ill health, the economic case for a ‘prevention before cure’ approach is compelling.”

“Our Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index offers a bird’s eye view of how well countries perform on a range of health, wealth and societal metrics. If the UK was now on course to meet its target of five extra healthy years by 2035, it would be the best-performing country rather than languishing in 28th position on the health span metric. But to really improve the nation’s health – and reduce the pressures on the NHS – the UK must increase its current spending on prevention”

“One major condition which is also a ‘cruel lottery’ but wasn’t mentioned in Sir Keir’s speech is dementia. From better diagnosis rates to post-diagnostic care and support in our communities, we must do far more to make life easier for people from the moment of diagnosis and their carers.”

Contact:

For press queries, please contact press@ilcuk.org.uk. Spokespeople are available for interview.

Notes

1. For further information on the ILC’s Healthy Ageing and Prevent Index, see our initial publication: Introducing the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index – ILCUK
2. Our interactive online tool will be launched tomorrow (23 May 23) alongside the World Health Assembly – via our Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index page: Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index – ILCUK

Ends