Over the past century, the health of the UK population has changed dramatically. Improved sanitation, clean water, vaccinations, antibiotics, and medical advancements such as organ transplants and minimally invasive surgery have all contributed to longer lifespans. The introduction of the NHS in 1948 revolutionised healthcare accessibility. However, as these improvements have helped reduce infectious diseases, new health challenges have emerged.

Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer have risen significantly due to lifestyle changes. Greater awareness and understanding of mental health have led to better recognition and treatment, but issues such as depression and anxiety remain prevalent. Diet and nutrition have also shifted; while smoking rates have declined thanks to public health campaigns, the rise of ultra-processed foods has contributed to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Alcohol-related illnesses continue to be a concern, and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle has led to higher rates of cardiovascular disease.

Environmental factors have played a role in shaping public health as well. While improvements in housing and living conditions have reduced respiratory diseases, air pollution remains linked to conditions such as asthma and COPD. An ageing population means that people are living longer, but with that comes an increase in age-related conditions such as frailty and dementia. Additionally, socio-economic factors, ethnicity, and geography continue to drive disparities in health outcomes, leaving some communities disproportionately affected by preventable illnesses.

The impact of COVID-19 cannot be overlooked. The pandemic heightened public awareness of health issues, strained healthcare services, and accelerated the adoption of digital solutions. However, the long-term effects on mental health and healthcare accessibility are still unfolding.

We also need to consider that we are in a ‘cost of living’ crisis and that to make changes to our lifestyles, would we need to sacrifice something else?

Fresh, nutritious food is more expensive than ultra-processed options.

‘To afford the government recommended healthy diet, the most deprived fifth of the population would need to spend 45% of their disposable income on food, rising to 70% for those households with children.’ – The Food Foundation Broken Plate Report 2025

Gym memberships and structured exercise can be costly, especially as people juggle multiple jobs or increased work hours.

‘Two new research reports have highlighted the impact of the UK’s cost of living crisis on people’s physical activity levels and there have been calls for interventions to make access more affordable.’ – Sports Management

Mental health and wellbeing has been impacted due to financial worries and social isolation.

‘The cost of living crisis has gripped the UK, forcing many households to make impossible choices between heating their homes, buying food, and managing everyday expenses. Beyond the visible financial strain, this crisis has intensified a less visible but equally alarming challenge: a growing mental health crisis. Rising anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness are sweeping the nation as individuals grapple with the mounting pressure of economic instability.’  – IDS Media UK

The crisis also has a negative effect on access to healthcare, people may avoid seeing the doctor due to travel costs or work commitments or stop taking medication due to prescription charges.

‘More than one in five, 21%, people avoided going to the dentist because of the cost. This rose from 12% in October 2022, and 15% in both January and March 2023.’ – Healthwatch Westminster

So choosing between health and financial stability is a reality and a difficult decision. There are often ways around these issues such as local growing markets that supply cheap seasonal fruit and veg, meal planning and bulk buying, the ability to get out and exercise in the fresh air for free, reduced fee gym schemes and free support groups if you need financial or emotional help. It’s all about finding a balance between what is essential and what small adjustments can be made to enable lifestyle changes.

With the NHS overwhelmed by demand, simply increasing appointments and medical staff is not a sustainable solution. Instead, prioritising Population Health Management offers an opportunity to shift towards prevention, reducing the burden of avoidable illnesses and improving long-term health outcomes. By using PHM principles, we can proactively support at-risk populations, manage chronic conditions before they escalate, and enable early intervention to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations.

Harnessing technology plays an important role in making PHM effective. Through data analytics, AI-driven insights, and digital health solutions, healthcare providers can identify trends, target interventions, and enhance patient engagement. Remote monitoring, personalised health plans, and digital communication channels can empower individuals to take charge of their well-being, encouraging a culture of preventative healthcare rather than reactive treatment.

If we fully utilise these advancements to identify target areas and engage patients at a preventative level, could we reduce avoidable deaths? Could we instil a healthier mindset in future generations?

If you’d like to speak to me about Population Health Management and let me know your thoughts, I’d be happy to connect with you through the D&T Network.