Danes Spend Fewer Years in Good Health Than Most EU Citizens

Living in Denmark may mean fewer years of good health than elsewhere in Europe. New figures from Eurostat show Danes have only 62.4 healthy life years. Healthy life years measure how long people live without daily physical limitations. This number relies on self-reported health assessments from residents.

Denmark ranks below 18 other European countries in this health measurement. Italy ranks highest across the European Union with 73.4 healthy years. Neighboring Sweden and Norway also rank higher than Denmark. Sweden recorded 67.5 healthy years while Norway reached 64.8 years.

The Danish Diabetes Association called these 2024 figures a health alarm. CEO Claus Richter said Denmark has delayed preventing chronic conditions like diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is growing rapidly across the Danish population. Life expectancy in Denmark is rising, but health quality is not keeping pace.

Richter said the healthcare system focuses on treatment rather than prevention. The association wants parliament to set a legal goal for healthy years. They aim to make Denmark a top European performer by 2045. They presented their proposals at a parliamentary debate at Christiansborg.