Quality of life in old age: Austria lags behind Europe!

Quality of life in old age: Austria lags behind Europe!

The quality of life of senior people in Austria remains alarming in a European comparison. A current study by the Medical University of Vienna illuminates that the additional years of life that many Austrians win are often not spent in good health. According to the examination that data of over 10,000 people aged 65 and over over a period of 13 years, older people, chronically ill and low incomes are particularly disadvantaged. In 2021, the average number of years of life was only 61.3 years for women and 61.5 years for men-and thus below the EU average of 64.2 years or 63.1 years, such as Today. reported.

regional differences and social factors

The report shows a clear gap between the different regions of Austria. Residents from the western federal states such as Tyrol or Vorarlberg enjoy significantly more healthy years compared to those in the east of the country. Gender -specific differences can also be observed: While women cut off worse in many areas of life, these differences compensate for when socio -economic factors such as income and education are included. This emphasizes the importance of socio -economic conditions, which can significantly contribute to improving the quality of life in old age, says Richard Felsinger, the first author of the study. On this worrying trend also indicates The study also found progress in access to social support offers as well as a decline in educational and income inequalities between men and women. These developments are reflected in a positive perception of psychological and social quality of life. Nevertheless, the challenge remains: Austria's seniors urgently need to receive better living conditions and health requirements in order to significantly increase healthy life expectancy and contribute to improving their quality of life.