Experts are sounding the alarm
OECD: “Health spending high, life expectancy falling”
18.11.2024Reading time: 2 min.
Despite high health spending, life expectancy in Germany has fallen and is now below the EU average. Missing medical staff should be compensated.
In Germany, average life expectancy has fallen despite massive investments. What’s surprising is that at 81.2 years old, he is below the EU average for the first time. This in turn means that Germany is 2.6 to 3 years behind Spain, Italy and Switzerland, according to an OECD study published in Paris on Monday. The regression is explained by the fact that life expectancy in Germany has grown more slowly than in other countries, explained the OECD.
Germany is at the top in Europe when it comes to spending on health. In 2022, the massive increase in spending caused by the corona pandemic fell slightly, but Germany still spent 12.6 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health. That amounts to expenses of around 5,300 euros per person. This puts Germany 50 percent above the EU average.
According to preliminary figures, health spending in Germany will have fallen to 11.8 percent of GDP in 2023. However, the proportion remains the highest in the EU.
In view of the lack of medical personnel, the OECD called for greater promotion of health in old age. According to the study, people in European countries at the age of 65 still have an average of 20 years of life ahead of them. However, more than half of these are affected by illness or disability. Women are even more affected than men.
“A significant number of diseases in old age can be prevented if important risk factors are addressed throughout life,” the study says. This particularly includes physical activity. Only about a good fifth of people over 65 get enough exercise.
According to the study, the proportion of obesity continues to increase with age and peaks at around 20 percent in people between 65 and 74. Obesity is an important risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. The healthier older people are, the less countries have to invest in the health sector, emphasizes the OECD.
Meanwhile, there was a shortage of doctors in 20 European countries in 2022 and 2023. There is also a shortage of nurses in around 15 countries. “Better working conditions and remuneration are crucial factors in making the profession attractive again,” emphasizes the OECD.
The organization recommends, among other things, a “more efficient division of competencies” within the medical staff. In practice, this means enabling nurses to take on certain acts that were previously reserved for doctors.
What are the main reasons for the decline in life expectancy in Germany despite high healthcare spending?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Health Policy Expert Dr. Clara Hofmann
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hofmann! We are thrilled to have you here today to discuss some alarming findings from the recent OECD report. The headline is startling: despite Germany’s significant health spending, life expectancy has actually fallen. What’s your initial reaction to these findings?
Dr. Clara Hofmann: Thank you for having me. I must say, I share your concerns. It’s quite troubling to see that despite spending substantially more than the EU average on healthcare—12.6% of GDP in 2022—our life expectancy has dropped to 81.2 years, lagging behind other European countries like Spain and Italy. It highlights a disconnect between expenditure and health outcomes.
Editor: That’s definitely a disconnect. The report mentions that Germany’s life expectancy is lower than the EU average for the first time. What do you attribute this trend to?
Dr. Hofmann: Several factors contribute to this issue. One significant aspect is the slow growth of life expectancy in Germany compared to our neighbors. The OECD noted that while we invest heavily in healthcare, the benefits aren’t translating into better outcomes. This might be due to various reasons, including lifestyle factors such as obesity — a growing concern in Germany — and potentially the availability of medical staff.
Editor: Speaking of medical staff, the report emphasizes a shortage in this area. How critical is this issue in shaping health outcomes in Germany?
Dr. Hofmann: It’s highly critical. The lack of medical personnel means longer wait times for patients, reduced access to care, and ultimately, it can affect the quality of healthcare delivered. The OECD’s call for better promotion of health in old age underscores the need for a healthcare system that is not just focused on treatment but also on prevention and wellness, particularly for older adults who constitute a large segment of our population.
Editor: The OECD also denoted a slight decrease in health spending to 11.8% of GDP expected in 2023. Do you think this trend could have any repercussions on the health system?
Dr. Hofmann: Absolutely. While a small decrease might seem negligible, maintaining a high level of investment in healthcare is crucial. If spending continues to fall, we may see further negative impacts on healthcare delivery—especially in preventive measures and chronic care management, which are vital for improving life expectancy.
Editor: What measures do you think should be taken to reverse the trend in falling life expectancy?
Dr. Hofmann: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. First, we need to address the shortage of medical staff by enhancing training programs and creating incentives for professionals to enter and stay in the field. Additionally, promoting healthier lifestyles among the populace is essential. Public health campaigns focused on nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being could help tackle issues like obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Lastly, investing in technology and telehealth services can bridge care gaps, especially in underserved areas.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hofmann, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that while Germany leads in health spending, a more holistic approach is needed to translate that investment into better health outcomes.
Dr. Hofmann: Thank you for having me. It is indeed a critical time for healthcare policy, and I hope these conversations can advance the necessary reforms to improve the health of our population.