Living well
Throughout adulthood, there are many factors both within and beyond a person’s control that can determine whether they live a healthy and happy life, or not.
These are often interrelated and underpinned by inequalities. A large proportion of chronic diseases, for example, can be prevented by:
- a healthier diet
- reducing alcohol intake
- not smoking
- being physically active for at least 150 minutes each week
- maintaining a healthy weight
- reducing exposure to air pollution through active travel
Other risk factors for ill-health are more difficult for an individual to control, with events such as the implementation of “stay at home” guidance due to the Covid-19 pandemic having a profound impact on mental health and wellbeing. Those living in poverty, having low-quality or low paid work, experiencing unemployment and living in poor housing were most affected.
Data dashboard
An in-depth dashboard on this topic area is in development
Headline data can be found on the Our population page. It covers the following living well themes:
- health behaviours and disease prevention, including diet, exercise, tobacco use and drugs and alcohol use
- cancers and cardiovascular disease
- mental health and wellbeing
- health protection, including infectious diseases and vaccination
- sexual health
Other resources
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities: Public health data: Public health profiles