Recent findings from the 2022 Census highlight a decrease in the percentage of individuals under the age of 75 who perceive themselves to be in good general health.
The proportion of people rating their overall health as very good or good dropped from 87% in the previous census conducted in 2016, to 83% in 2022.
In terms of specific age groups, the report reveals that 52% of individuals aged between 35 and 39 reported having very good health, compared to 61% in 2016. Conversely, there has been a slight increase in the proportion of individuals aged 75 and above who reported having very good health in 2022.
Regional disparities in health conditions were also observed. Cork City and Wexford exhibited the highest proportions of individuals with long-lasting health conditions, disabilities, or difficulties to varying degrees. In contrast, Fingal and Monaghan recorded the lowest percentages in this regard.
The census introduced a question on tobacco use for the first time, revealing that 13% of the population either smoked daily or occasionally. Smoking was more prevalent among individuals in their 20s and 30s, and across all age groups, men displayed higher rates of daily smoking than women.
Regarding disability, approximately 1.1 million individuals, which accounts for 22% of the population, reported experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty to some extent. Females were more likely than males to fall within these categories.
It is notable that health outcomes appear to be in decline despite a significant increase in healthcare spending in recent years. As of 2023, Ireland spends a total of €24 billion of its €103.5 billion budget on healthcare – up from €16 billion just 5 years ago.
Despite allocating a substantial portion of its budget to healthcare, the country has been grappling with persistently high rates of chronic diseases, growing waiting lists for medical procedures, overworked medical staff and increasing demands on healthcare services.
Gript previously asked ex-Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe if he felt he got value for money regarding healthcare spending, in a video which can be viewed below.
DON'T INTERRUPT ME: Paschal Donohoe gets testy when challenged on whether the Irish government has achieved value for money in HSE spending.#gript pic.twitter.com/Ff6BLLv63e
— gript (@griptmedia) January 11, 2023