Though health disparities have long been the subject of research and debate, life expectancy gaps between rich and poor remain striking, even in countries with universal access to healthcare. This column analyses the roots of health inequality using data from the Netherlands. While mortality differences are most apparent at old-age, chronic illness starts shaping these inequalities much earlier in life than commonly recognised. Socioeconomic status and geographic disparities play a critical role in chronic disease development, surpassing the impact of unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and drinking.

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24 September 2024

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Vox EU

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https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/closing-health-gap-how-chronic-illness-drives-health-inequality-early

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