The number of years people in Scotland can expect to spend in good health has dropped to its lowest level in almost ten years, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.
The data for 2021 to 2023 shows that healthy life expectancy at birth is now 60 years for women and 59.6 years for men.
This measure has been falling steadily since 2014 to 2016, raising concerns about long-term health trends across the country.
While life expectancy in older age groups has remained more stable, the figures reveal a stark picture for younger generations.
For those aged 65 to 69, healthy life expectancy is 10.7 years for women and 9.6 years for men.
The report also highlights major differences between council areas, with some communities enjoying significantly longer periods of good health than others.
Smaller island authorities such as Shetland and Orkney show some of the longest healthy life expectancies, although the estimates are less certain due to their small populations.
On the mainland, North Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire record the lowest figures for both men and women.
By contrast, Perth and Kinross reports women living around 14 years longer in good health and men around 13 years longer compared to those lowest-ranked areas.
Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics at National Records of Scotland, said these gaps remain striking.
“Between mainland authorities there are also big differences in healthy life expectancy at birth,” she said.
“North Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire have the lowest healthy life expectancies for males and females.
“This compares with Perth and Kinross where the average female has around 14 years longer healthy life expectancy and the average male around 13 years more spent in good health.”
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that healthy life expectancy is also falling in England and Wales.
However, England continues to report higher figures than both Scotland and Wales.
The statistics use a new calculation method and are currently classed as official statistics in development.
