Having a warm, dry place to live, a nutritious diet, fair work and a sense of security are the fundamental elements of a healthy life. Throughout 2022, we have seen rapid increases the cost of essential goods – energy, housing, food and fuel (Figure 1) – which has exceeded the average increase in population income. wages And well-being Payments.
Figure 1. Annual consumer price inflation rate, United Kingdom, December 2020 to November 2022.
This has important and far-reaching consequences Negative consequences for mental and physical health and well-being (Figure 2).
For example, not having money to turn on the heating means living in cold and damp conditions. This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as arthritic and respiratory diseases. Older people, children And babies are at particularly high risk.
Figure 2. Mapping the links between the cost of living crisis and health.
With food prices also high, many people are forced to choose between heating and feeding themselves, meaning households will face multiple challenges at the same time. As a result, many people are unable to adequately feed himself or his family in sufficient quantitiesleave alone nutritious and healthy foods. A good diet is essential for good health in the short and long term, with obesity, a major risk factor for diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Making such difficult decisions about how to spend limited household budgets also takes a toll on Mental Health.
These impacts on health and wellbeing are compounded by a system struggling to meet growing needs, with businesses, charities and public services also facing rising costs. This follows the pandemic, which unprecedented demand on health and social protection services.
While some of these problems will ease as costs fall, others may persist. For example, people who have taken on debt may still have debt even when inflation rates stabilize. Some people may have lost their homes or businesses. Others may still be affected by health problems they developed due to their inability to eat well, keep warm, stay connected with friends, or attend medical appointments. They may not be able to turn to a Better future because fatigue and hunger prevented them from succeeding in school. All of these impacts on health and well-being can extend throughout people’s lives and can be passed from one generation to the next.
