- The National Health Score* continues to decline for fifth consecutive year – reveals the Irish Life 2024 Health of the Nation annual research report
- 100,000 more adults in Ireland have fallen into the “poor health” category, with 60% of adults now overweight or obese
- More than twice as many under 35-year-olds in the “poor health” category, compared to older adults
- Increased numbers of younger adults now smoking or vaping – more than 1 in 3 (36%)
- Research confirms optimism for future (89%), indicating opportunity to start making meaningful changes for better health
A generational gap is emerging in Ireland’s health and wellbeing standards as people aged 16-34 score worse across a range of physical and mental wellbeing metrics, in comparison to older generations. The research looks at Ireland’s overall health and wellbeing standards across a range of metrics, pinpointing the current health challenges Irish adults face, and highlighting the opportunities to make positive changes for our overall wellbeing. The findings were published today as part of the Irish Life 2024 Health of the Nation research.
Ireland’s National Health Score declined for the fifth consecutive year, with a score of 520 in 2024, a decrease from 523 last year. The National Health Score has now declined by 4.7% since 2019, highlighting the need to incorporate healthier lifestyle habits to improve our overall health status.
100,000 more people in Ireland are now considered to be in ‘poor health’, with over half (54%) of all 16–34-year-olds now within this category, compared to 26% of all adults**. A larger proportion of young people – over 1 in 3 (36%) – are now vaping or smoking indicating habits form in teenage years, reaffirming the need for greater supports and education in this age cohort. Overall, 27% of adults said they vape or smoke, compared to 23% in 2023 and 18% in 2022.
The research shows an increase in average weight with 6 in 10 (60%) of adults in Ireland now considered overweight or obese. Ireland’s average weight has increased from 79kg in 2023 to 81kg this year. On average, 37% of Ireland’s adult population are now spending more than half their day in a sedentary position, as our national average Body Mass Index (BMI) increases to 27.1, which is categorised as overweight.
Other key findings include:
- 1 in 4 adults (25%) report feeling stressed, depressed or anxious more than half the time.
- Average consumption of fruit and vegetable stands at 4.6 portions per day amongst all adults.
- Almost two-thirds of workplace managers (63%) see mental health needs of employees growing year on year. 42% believe their workplace is supportive of employee mental health.
Despite the health challenges that are present, 89% of Irish adults report feeling positive about the future, with 90% of all respondents believing in their ability to overcome challenges.
Dr Carol Rogan, Psychologist, Irish Life Wellbeing, said: “The results of this year’s Irish Life Health of the Nation report paints a bleak picture of the nation’s health, showcasing the downward trajectory we have been experiencing since 2018. The mental wellbeing findings are of significant concern and mirror the most recent global findings which also show no sign of a post-pandemic bounce back. It’s evident that we all have a part to play – government, state bodies, employers and individuals – to take action to start to reverse the trends we have seen in recent years.
The findings of this year’s research also bring into stark focus the mental wellbeing of younger adults – highlighting a clear generation gap, with younger generations struggling more overall. The good news is that the report shows that managers in the workplace are increasingly aware of the mental health needs of their employees, with almost three-quarters of managers in support of formal training in this area, with many external supports available to assist managers improve confidence and support for employees across all age cohorts. In terms of outlook, we do see that people still think they can change, with 9 in 10 people feeling positive about the future and confident in their resilience to overcome issues. As a nation we need to take the necessary actions now, to improve our mental wellbeing by making positive health and lifestyle choices.”
Details of the report and potential actions:
Physical Health
Good physical health is a cornerstone of people’s wellbeing and is dependent on a range of factors including BMI, nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle. This year’s findings indicate a rise in BMI, smoking, vaping and sedentary behaviour. Irish Life’s health experts encourage people to break up prolonged sedentary periods and replace them with physical activity (of any intensity). On the positive side, there is evidence to suggest awareness of the importance of good nutrition is increasing.
Mental Health
The overall results in mental health are broadly comparable to last year, although the continued decline in mental wellbeing among 16-34s is of concern. In 2024, this cohort was more likely to report feeling stressed, anxious, sad or depressed than it was in 2023. This appears to be a global trend.
The research indicates managers see an increase in the numbers coming to them with mental health difficulties, and often feel ill-equipped to respond effectively. Businesses and organisations must continue to grow their mental health supports and put them front and centre of their wellbeing strategies.
Social Connection
Social health is defined by how people experience their lives in terms of their sense
of belonging, relationships, patterns in socialising and being integrated into society. Good social health is a strong indicator of a healthier lifestyle in adults of all ages. Irish Life’s findings show that social health has not significantly recovered since its rapid decline in 2020.
About Health of the Nation
The Health of the Nation research has been conducted on an annual basis since 2018, aside from 2021 where restrictions were in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research was completed in conjunction with Behaviour & Attitudes Research in July 2024, using a nationally representative samples of 1,103 adults in Ireland.
* The National Health Score is scientifically calculated number from 1 to 1,000 using the MyLife App. The Health Score was developed by our technology and data partner Dacadoo in collaboration with leading health experts.
** All adults refers to all age categories aged 16+.
About Irish Life Wellbeing
Irish Life Wellbeing is a health and wellbeing consultancy and is part of the Irish Life Group. Experienced consultants work with employers to help their employees lead healthier lives, supporting managers and creating tailored solutions that are continually monitored and refined to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
About Irish Life
Irish Life is one of Ireland’s leading financial services groups, now taking care of over 1.6 million customers. We help people to confidently prepare for and embrace life’s changes with our wide range of health, life, pension, and investment solutions.
We are part of the Great-West Lifeco group of companies, one of the world’s leading life assurance organisations. Great-West Lifeco and its subsidiaries have over CAD$2.8 trillion in consolidated assets under administration* and are members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.
Irish Life delivers innovative solutions for personal and corporate customers, backed by the highest standards of service. And as part of Great-West Lifeco, we have access to experience and expertise on a global scale, so we can continuously enhance our leading range of services and solutions.
*as at 31 March 2024
Downloadable PDF – Irish Life 2024 Health of the Nation research report.