Healthy Life Years (HLY) is one of the most important indicators used in socio-economic analyses at the level of the European Union. Unlike the classic life expectancy indicator, HLY shows how many years the average citizen can live without limitations in everyday functioning. This has enormous significance for the labour market, the healthcare system and the long-term stability of public finances. According to the latest data from Statistics Poland (GUS), in 2024 the HLY indicator in Poland increased for both women and men, confirming the gradual health recovery of society after the pandemic years. This increase is particularly visible among women, who recorded the best result since the beginning of EU-SILC measurements.
Main results: women with stronger growth, men with a larger share of life in good health
According to the GUS report, healthy life expectancy at birth (HLY₀) in 2024 amounted to 61.62 years for men and 65.32 years for women. This represents an increase of 0.3 and 0.7 years respectively compared to 2023. Although women still live longer overall, men spend a greater share of their lives in good health – according to GUS data, the share of “healthy life years” was 82.2% for men and 79.4% for women. This difference is mainly due to a higher incidence of chronic diseases in women after the age of 60, which shortens the period of life spent without disability. This, in turn, indicates that health strategies targeted at women should place more emphasis on the prevention of chronic conditions around retirement age.
HLY and classic life expectancy: similarities and differences
To interpret the HLY indicator correctly, it is necessary to compare it with average life expectancy (e₀), which in 2024 amounted to around 74.93 years for men and 82.6 years for women. As shown by GUS analyses, the difference between the sexes in HLY₀ (3.7 years) is significantly smaller than the difference in e₀ (7.3 years). This means that although women live longer, more years of their lives are accompanied by reduced functioning or disability. These data confirm a trend observed in Poland and across Europe: improvements in the quality of medical care extend life, but do not always extend life “in good health”. For this reason, HLY is increasingly used as a key measure of the effectiveness of health policies rather than merely a supplement to traditional demographic statistics.
Comparison table – key indicators in Poland (2024)
The table below shows the basic differences between men and women in 2024:
| Indicator | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Life Years at birth (HLY₀) | 61,62 | 65,32 |
| Life expectancy at birth (e₀) | 74,93 | 82,60 |
| Share of life spent in good health | 82,2% | 79,4% |
| y/y change in HLY₀ | +0,3 | +0,7 |
Source: own calculations based on GUS data
This table clearly illustrates that although women live almost eight years longer, proportionally men spend a larger part of their lives in good health. From the perspective of the labour market and social policy, this means the need to differentiate preventive actions and to invest in public health in a way that takes gender-specific characteristics into account. At the same time, rising HLY also contributes to higher labour market participation among people aged 50–65, which directly affects labour supply and the economy’s flexibility.
Poland in 2009–2024 perspective: a long-term trend of health recovery
Data from the file “Healthy Life Years in Poland 2009–2024” show that in the long term HLY has been gradually increasing, despite a visible slump during the pandemic period. Over fifteen years, men gained about 4–5 additional years of life in good health, while women gained about 3–4 years. The largest decline was recorded in 2020–2021, as a direct consequence of excess mortality and severe pressure on the healthcare system. After 2022, however, there was a clear shift towards improvement, and 2024 became the year in which HLY reached its highest level in the history of EU-SILC measurements in Poland. This points to a gradual recovery of population health and increasing effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases.
Regional differences in healthy life expectancy in Poland
Poland divided into two “health speeds”
Analysis of voivodeship-level data clearly confirms that there is a persistent divide in Poland between regions with higher and lower healthy life expectancy. GUS indicates that in 2024 the difference between the extreme values of HLY₀ reached 3.4 years for men and 2.8 years for women, which reflects very high territorial disparities. Residents of western and north-western Poland live the longest in good health, while voivodeships in eastern Poland remain at the bottom of the ranking. This pattern mirrors the map of regional economic development, indicating strong linkages between health status and socio-economic factors. In more developed regions, we see better access to healthcare services, higher incomes and stronger social infrastructure.
The three best-performing voivodeships: Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie, Zachodniopomorskie
In 2024, the leaders in healthy life expectancy were the voivodeships of Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Zachodniopomorskie. According to GUS data, HLY₀ for men reached 63.50, 63.12 and 63.11 years respectively, while for women it was 66.36, 66.21 and 66.19 years. These regions have for years been characterised by higher levels of physical activity among residents, better access to recreational infrastructure and a relatively lower environmental burden compared to industrial agglomerations. The employment structure also matters, with a higher share of sectors with lower accident rates. This translates into lower levels of disability among older age groups, which directly boosts HLY.
The weakest regions: Lubelskie, Podlaskie, Łódzkie
At the other end of the spectrum are the voivodeships of Lubelskie, Podlaskie and Łódzkie, which recorded the lowest HLY₀ values for men – 60.10, 60.50 and 60.52 years respectively. Among women, the lowest figures were recorded in Lubelskie (63.57), Łódzkie (63.62) and Podlaskie (63.93). These regions also belong to areas with the greatest population loss, relatively higher unemployment and lower household incomes. They are also characterised by poorer access to specialised healthcare services, particularly in smaller counties. This combination of socio-economic factors leads to a cumulative burden of health problems, which in turn results in fewer years lived in good health.
Voivodeship comparison table – HLY₀ in 2024
| Voivodeship | Men (HLY₀) | Women (HLY₀) | % of life in good health – Men | % of life in good health – Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wielkopolskie | 63,50 | 66,36 | 84,8% | 80,9% |
| Lubuskie | 63,12 | 66,21 | 85,0% | 81,0% |
| Zachodniopomorskie | 63,11 | 66,19 | 84,9% | 81,0% |
| Dolnośląskie | 61,99 | 65,59 | 83,3% | 80,0% |
| Pomorskie | 61,97 | 65,27 | 82,2% | 79,4% |
| Mazowieckie | 62,29 | 65,89 | 82,7% | 79,9% |
| Lubelskie | 60,10 | 63,57 | 80,5% | 76,7% |
| Podkarpackie | 60,76 | 64,01 | 80,0% | 76,4% |
| Podlaskie | 60,50 | 63,93 | 80,2% | 76,4% |
| Łódzkie | 60,52 | 63,62 | 82,2% | 78,1% |
Source: own calculations based on GUS data
This table shows a clear, systemic divide that mirrors long-standing patterns of regional development in Poland. The results for eastern voivodeships are particularly worrying: both men and women there live fewer years in good health, even though overall life expectancy often does not differ significantly from the national average. This points to a specific problem: it is not so much that people live shorter lives, but that they live longer “in poor health”. This poses a burden for the pension system, long-term care and local healthcare budgets.
Largest y/y increases: Podlaskie, Lubelskie, Podkarpackie
In 2024, an increase in HLY₀ was recorded in all voivodeships for men, which is a major improvement compared to 2020–2022. The highest increases were recorded in:
- Podlaskie: +1.1 years,
- Lubelskie: +0.8 years,
- Podkarpackie: +0.7 years.
For women, HLY₀ increased in almost all regions, except for Dolnośląskie and Opolskie (a decline of around 0.1 years). The strongest improvements were observed in:
- Podlaskie: +0.9 years,
- Kujawsko-Pomorskie: +0.9 years,
- Podkarpackie and Mazowieckie: +0.8 years.
These figures suggest that the eastern part of the country – although still the weakest – is slowly starting to catch up with the rest of Poland in terms of health. This is likely the result of improved access to medical care, investment in hospital infrastructure and numerous preventive programmes financed from EU funds.
Western vs Eastern Poland – a structural health divide
Comparisons of voivodeship HLY₀ maps (included in GUS reports) clearly confirm that residents of western Poland live noticeably longer in good health. Regions such as Lubuskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie are characterised by average or even slightly lower classic life expectancy combined with relatively high HLY. This means that although residents of these regions may live slightly shorter lives than, for example, residents of Podkarpackie, they live “healthier” lives, which is highly relevant for their labour market participation and quality of life.
In eastern Poland, we observe the opposite phenomenon: high life expectancy with low HLY₀, as in Podlaskie. This means that residents of these regions live long lives, but with greater health limitations that intensify particularly after the age of 60.
Trend analysis 2009–2024: how has healthy life expectancy changed in Poland?
Healthy life expectancy and Poland’s health transformation
Changes in HLY between 2009 and 2024 reflect the pace of modernisation of the Polish healthcare system and the social changes that have affected health behaviour. Data from GUS files show that for most of the period, expected healthy life years rose in parallel with life expectancy, suggesting improved quality of medical care and more effective prevention of lifestyle diseases. At the same time, these changes were uneven, and the pandemic years marked a clear break in the trend. In the long term, however, the increase in HLY is strong and structural, indicating an improvement in population health rather than just short-term fluctuations. This is an important signal for the labour market and public policies, which increasingly rely on health projections for the Polish population.
Years 2009–2019: a decade of steady growth
The first decade of the analysed period was a time of systematic improvement in the health of Poles. HLY₀ increased in most voivodeships and for both sexes, driven by dynamic development of medical infrastructure and better standards in the treatment of chronic diseases. During this period, particularly strong growth was recorded in western voivodeships, confirming that regions with strong economies and higher incomes improved their health indicators faster. Between 2009 and 2019, HLY increased by around 3–4 years for men and around 2–3 years for women, while regional disparities widened. It was precisely in this decade that the present health divide in Poland took shape – a pattern that is still visible in 2024 data.
The pandemic shock 2020–2021: the biggest setback in decades
The COVID-19 pandemic caused the deepest deterioration in health indicators since the 1990s. Both HLY₀ and e₀ decreased, meaning that Poles lived shorter lives and spent fewer of those years in good health. GUS data clearly show that 2020–2021 brought a sharp regression, especially for men, whose excess mortality was among the highest in the EU. Regions with poorer access to healthcare were also hit harder, which further widened the gaps between voivodeships. The pandemic was therefore not only a health crisis, but also a factor exacerbating structural inequalities in Poland.
Recovery in 2022–2024: rebuilding health after the crisis
After the pandemic slump, there was a period of clear recovery in HLY, and 2023 and 2024 turned out to be record years. In 2024, HLY recorded its strongest increase to date among women (+0.7 years) and a solid increase among men (+0.3 years), confirming the stabilisation of the population’s health. GUS reports that the share of life spent in good health has again approached pre-pandemic levels and returned to an upward trajectory. The improvements are particularly visible in eastern regions, which had previously suffered the most from the pandemic, which may indicate organisational improvements in local healthcare systems. The exceptions are Dolnośląskie and Opolskie voivodeships, where small declines in HLY among women were recorded in 2024.
Table: HLY₀ trend in Poland, 2009–2024
| Year | HLY₀ – Men | HLY₀ – Women |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | approx. 56–57 | approx. 60–61 |
| 2014 | approx. 58–59 | approx. 62–63 |
| 2019 | approx. 60–61 | approx. 63–64 |
| 2021 | clear decline | clear decline |
| 2024 | 61,62 | 65,32 |
Source: own calculations based on GUS HLY 2009–2024 files
This table highlights a key conclusion: despite major shocks, Poland is improving its health indicators over the long term, although the pace of improvement is strongly dependent on region, income levels and the transformation of the healthcare market. At the same time, preventive measures and health education are gaining in importance and have the potential to further boost HLY in the coming years. Given population ageing, maintaining these trends may be crucial for the country’s long-term economic and fiscal stability.
Poland vs the EU – are we closing the gap?
In terms of HLY, Poland still ranks below the EU average, but the gap is gradually narrowing. Western European countries typically show HLY₀ values in the 67–72 year range, while in Poland in 2024 it was 61.62 years for men and 65.32 years for women. However, the pace of HLY growth in Poland is higher than in many Western economies, which means that the health gap is slowly shrinking. EU-funded programmes play a fundamental role in this process, improving access to diagnostics, prevention and modern medical technologies. If this upward trend continues, Poland has a chance to reach HLY levels close to the EU average within the next decade.
HLY, the labour market, the economy and public finances – health as an economic asset of the state
Healthy life expectancy as the foundation of labour market participation
Healthy life expectancy today has a direct impact on the labour market and the entire economy. As Poland enters a period of rapid population ageing, the key question is not just how long people live, but how long they remain fit for work. GUS data show that men spend over 82% of their lives in good health, which has a tangible effect on their higher labour market activity in the 50–64 age group compared with women. This structural difference is a challenge for the labour market, as women constitute a growing share of key service professions, including care, education and administration. At the same time, rising HLY means that more people will be able to work longer in the future – provided that labour market policies allow for it.
The impact of HLY on the pension system and retirement age
From the perspective of public finances, rising HLY is one of the most important macroeconomic indicators. It means that people reaching retirement age are in increasingly better health, which reduces the need for long-term care in the first years after 65. GUS data show that the difference in HLY₆₅ between women and men is only 0.8 years, suggesting that senior health status in Poland is becoming more uniform. In practice, this means that pension policies can take more account of seniors’ actual ability to remain active. In the face of demographic pressure, rising HLY is becoming one of the key tools for stabilising the pension system.
The importance of HLY for preventing healthcare costs and budget stability
Every additional year of life spent in good health translates into lower financial burdens for the healthcare and social care systems. European studies show that countries with high HLY spend less on emergency treatment of chronic diseases and hospitalisations, and more on prevention – which generates long-term savings. Polish data show that the share of life spent in good health stands at almost 80% for women and more than 82% for men, which suggests that the burden of health expenditures in the first decades of old age will rise more slowly than life expectancy alone would suggest. From the state’s perspective, this means the possibility of shifting resources from treatment to preventive measures and the development of community-based medicine. In the longer term, such a shift in the spending structure delivers the greatest fiscal benefits.
The labour market: the growing role of the 50+ generation thanks to rising HLY
Extending healthy life expectancy effectively increases the available labour supply. People aged 50+ represent the fastest-growing segment of the workforce, and their labour market participation is steadily rising, which has a direct impact on GDP, tax revenues and business stability. GUS data indicate that men aged 50 have around 24 years of healthy life ahead of them, while women have around 26–27 years, which means that many of them can continue working even after reaching retirement age. This is a potential that is still underutilised by employers, especially in sectors requiring high skills and experience. In the context of specialist shortages in Poland, rising HLY can become a strategic advantage, provided that companies adapt work models to the needs of older workers.
HLY, regional competitiveness and private investment
The health capital of the population is increasingly becoming an investment criterion for companies and foreign investors. Regions with higher HLY typically display higher productivity, lower sickness absence and greater innovation potential – all of which attract investors from high value-added sectors. GUS data confirm that voivodeships such as Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Zachodniopomorskie stand out with both high HLY and stable economic growth. This means that population health is becoming a key indicator of a region’s ability to attract capital and create jobs. For local governments, this implies the need to invest not only in infrastructure but also in public health as a core component of regional competitiveness strategies.
Health as part of ESG: companies integrating HLY into reporting strategies
The growing importance of ESG indicators means that companies increasingly analyse the population’s health status as part of their operational risk assessments. HLY is becoming a measure of the social resilience of regions where businesses operate, affecting labour costs, absence risk and the stability of local supply chains. GUS data show that regional differences in HLY are substantial and that in some voivodeships residents spend as much as 3 more years in good health than in others. For sectors requiring constant physical presence of staff, such as logistics, manufacturing or services, this difference has direct operational implications. Integrating health data into ESG strategies is becoming more common, especially among foreign-capital companies.
Where do regional differences in HLY come from? Social, economic and environmental sources of health inequalities
Economic structure and regional population health
One of the key reasons for HLY differences between voivodeships is the structure of the local economy. Regions with a large share of heavy industry and physically demanding jobs, often in harsh conditions, record higher levels of disability among people over 50. In contrast, voivodeships with a higher share of services, modern industry and the IT sector more often report higher HLY, as seen for example in Wielkopolskie or Pomorskie. Lower exposure to harmful work conditions translates into slower “wear and tear” of health and thus more years lived without disability. This means that investors and local authorities, when planning economic development, indirectly influence future HLY levels.
Access to healthcare and medical infrastructure
Another important factor is the availability of healthcare services, both basic and specialist. GUS data show that voivodeships with higher HLY are usually regions with more specialist clinics, better access to diagnostics and shorter waiting times to see a doctor. In practice, this means faster detection of chronic conditions and greater chances of effective treatment before they lead to permanent disability. In less urbanised regions with dispersed settlement patterns, shortages of specialists and long travel distances to medical facilities are more common. This spatial barrier to healthcare access directly translates into lower HLY.
Lifestyle, education and health literacy
Cultural factors such as lifestyle, physical activity, diet and consumption of addictive substances also play an important role. Research indicates that in economically better-developed regions, residents more often use sports infrastructure, engage in recreational physical activity and attach greater importance to prevention. Education level also has an impact, as it shapes so-called health literacy – the ability to understand medical recommendations, use the healthcare system smartly and respond to early disease symptoms. Voivodeship HLY data suggest that where the share of people with secondary and tertiary education is higher, more years are lived in good health. This means that investments in education and public health are mutually reinforcing.
Environment, urbanisation and everyday quality of life
Healthy life expectancy is also influenced by the natural environment and the degree of urbanisation. In heavily industrialised and urbanised regions, major issues include air quality, noise and stress associated with living in large agglomerations. At the same time, these regions usually offer better access to services, including healthcare, which partly offsets environmental drawbacks. In agricultural regions, environmental quality may be better, but poorer access to medical services and lower preventive activity mean that HLY is not necessarily higher. GUS data show that the voivodeships with the best HLY results are often “intermediate” regions combining moderate urbanisation with decent environmental quality and good healthcare infrastructure.
Table: typical regional profiles and HLY levels
| Region type | Economic and social characteristics | Example voivodeships | HLY₀ level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly industrialised, urbanised | Large cities, industry, good medical infrastructure, poorer air quality | Śląskie, Dolnośląskie | Medium–high |
| Modern, service–industrial | High employment, services, new industry, good infrastructure, developed prevention | Wielkopolskie, Pomorskie, Mazowieckie | High |
| Agricultural, peripheral | Dispersed settlement, poorer access to specialists, lower incomes | Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie | Low–medium |
| Western “transit” | Services, logistics, cross-border work, growing urbanisation, decent healthcare infrastructure | Lubuskie, Zachodniopomorskie | High |
Source: own calculations based on GUS data (HLY by voivodeship)
This table shows that HLY level is largely the result of a combination of factors: not only income, but also economic structure, access to public services and health behaviour patterns. This explains why not all “wealthy” regions have the highest HLY and why some traditionally “green” voivodeships do not achieve the best health outcomes.
Health inequalities as a challenge for regional policy
Large HLY differences between voivodeships mean that Poland faces real health inequalities that are becoming entrenched over time. In practice, residents of some regions can expect to live several more years in good health than residents of other parts of the country, even though they are formally covered by the same healthcare system. For regional policy, this implies the need for more precise, territorially targeted measures – from preventive programmes to investments in local medical infrastructure. GUS data show that in 2024, the weakest eastern regions are beginning to catch up, but the gap with the leaders remains substantial. If the trend is not reversed, health inequalities may become one of the key factors limiting the development potential of parts of the country.
Recommendations for government, local authorities and business: how to effectively increase HLY in Poland?
Why do we need a strategy for raising HLY?
Rising healthy life expectancy is one of the most important social megatrends that will shape Poland’s competitiveness in the coming decades. Higher HLY means greater labour market participation among people over 50, lower burdens on the healthcare system and more stable public finances. GUS data for 2024 show that it is possible to achieve HLY growth over several consecutive years, but the pace of improvement varies by region and requires deliberate government support. Without a strategy based on prevention, health education and infrastructural investment, health differences between voivodeships will widen. Public policy should therefore respond not only to current problems but also build long-term health capital for citizens.
Priority no. 1: modern, accessible prevention
The single most important factor boosting HLY is the prevention of chronic diseases, which account for most years of life lived with disability. In 2024, differences in HLY between voivodeships reached up to 3.4 years for men and 2.8 years for women, confirming that regions with broader access to preventive examinations achieve significantly better results. This means the need to increase funding for early detection programmes for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and musculoskeletal disorders. Particular attention should be paid to women over 50, whose risk of conditions limiting independence rises sharply. The development of mobile diagnostic units and community-based prevention may deliver rapid and lasting benefits.
Priority no. 2: mental health support as a key to high HLY
Healthy life expectancy indicators also incorporate limitations arising from mental disorders, which in recent years have become one of the main causes of incapacity for work. European data show that depression, anxiety and burnout reduce HLY as strongly as somatic diseases. For Poland, this is particularly important, as staff shortages in healthcare, poor access to psychotherapy and the COVID-19 pandemic have triggered a growing wave of mental health problems. Improving HLY therefore requires the creation of local mental health centres in every county and simplifying access to therapy. Introducing a system of subsidised psychotherapy would be one of the most cost-effective health investments for the coming decades.
Priority no. 3: investment in local healthcare systems
Unequal access to healthcare is one of the most important factors reducing HLY in Poland. Voivodeships with the lowest indicators – Lubelskie, Podkarpackie and Podlaskie – are also regions where access to specialists is poorest and distances to medical facilities longest. Investing in local diagnostic centres, including MRIs and CT scanners, can reduce the number of undiagnosed chronic diseases. It is also crucial to design incentives for doctors to work in smaller towns, for example through housing subsidies or professional development programmes. At the same time, community health centres are needed to provide patients with quick support without the need for hospitalisation.
Priority no. 4: supporting the health of 50+ workers and longer labour market participation
For the Polish economy, maintaining high labour market participation in the 50+ group will be critical, as it accounts for a growing share of the skilled workforce. GUS data show that at age 50 Poles have more than 20 years of healthy life ahead of them, which opens up opportunities for prolonging working lives on new terms. Employers should invest in workplace ergonomics, flexible working hours, orthopaedic prevention and regular occupational health checks. Many companies in Scandinavian countries are introducing “transition jobs” – lighter roles for older employees extending their ability to continue working even after reaching retirement age. Similar solutions in Poland could significantly raise HLY and increase labour market efficiency.
Priority no. 5: local anti-smog and environmental programmes
Air quality and environmental factors directly affect HLY, particularly in relation to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Poland’s most polluted regions also record lower HLY, especially in large industrial agglomerations. Improving air quality should therefore be one of the top priorities for local authorities, especially in areas where HLY has been low for years. This means accelerating programmes to replace heating sources, supporting public transport and investing in urban greenery. Every additional year of life spent in good health represents a real saving for the healthcare system, so environmental measures have not only an ecological but also an economic dimension.
Table: key areas of action to raise HLY
| Area of intervention | Recommended action | Potential impact on HLY | Regions with the greatest need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health prevention | Mobile testing units, screening programmes | High | Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Świętokrzyskie |
| Mental health | Local mental health centres | Very high | Mazowieckie, Śląskie, Dolnośląskie |
| Local healthcare | Diagnostic centres, telemedicine | High | Podlaskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie |
| 50+ labour market participation | Workplace ergonomics, flexible employment forms | Medium–high | Entire Poland |
| Environment | Anti-smog programmes and urban regeneration | High | Małopolskie, Śląskie |
Source: own calculations based on GUS data (HLY 2024)
Summary and final conclusions: healthy life as a strategic asset for the state and the economy
Poland in the context of its own history – a decade of challenges, but long-term improvement
GUS data show that 2009–2024 was a period of dynamic health changes in Poland. Despite temporary setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term trend remains positive: the HLY indicator increased by several years for both sexes, and 2024 turned out to be the best year in the history of EU-SILC measurements. The HLY increase in 2024 – by 0.3 years for men and as much as 0.7 years for women – brings Poland closer to the EU average, which is important for economic stability. These data confirm that investments in health, prevention and medical infrastructure deliver tangible results. Over the long term, population health is becoming one of the key factors determining the competitiveness of modern economies.
Epidemiologically divided Poland – a challenge for regional policy
Western and north-western regions – such as Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Zachodniopomorskie – recorded the highest HLY levels in 2024, reaching up to 66 years for women and 63 years for men. In contrast, eastern voivodeships, including Lubelskie, Podlaskie and Łódzkie, posted the lowest values – up to three years lower than in the leading regions. This difference is not about life expectancy alone, but about how long residents live with full functional capacity, without disability and serious health limitations. In many cases, economic factors – income levels, education and access to services – matter more than purely medical factors. This clearly shows that reducing health disparities must become an integral part of the state’s regional policy.
Healthy life as an essential foundation of the state’s financial stability
Every additional year of life in good health means lower healthcare costs, reduced demand for long-term care and higher labour market participation among people aged 50+. GUS data show that men spend over 82% of their lives in good health, while women spend 79%, which is a very good starting point for labour market and social policy reforms. Higher HLY means the potential for longer working lives, which is key to maintaining pension system stability in an ageing society. From the state’s perspective, investments in health are investments in economic potential – particularly as the labour market increasingly depends on 50+, 60+ and even 70+ workers.
The importance of HLY for businesses and the labour market
For businesses, HLY is as important as productivity indicators or demographic data. Companies need workers who are fit for work – not only living longer, but living healthier. Regions with higher HLY offer a more stable labour market, lower sickness absence costs and greater operational predictability. Polish data for 2024 suggest that companies can leverage this trend by investing in workplace ergonomics, mental health support and well-being programmes. In countries with the highest HLY, firms treat employee health as a core component of their ESG strategies – and this approach is beginning to take hold in Poland as well. A healthy worker means not only higher productivity, but also lower operational risk for the company.
HLY as a tool for economic forecasting
Economists increasingly treat HLY as a predictor of economic development, alongside indicators such as education levels or investment in innovation. High HLY means that the population remains active for longer and that time spent unfit for work is reduced. This translates into more stable incomes, higher consumption and lower pressure on social benefits. From the standpoint of budget planning, HLY is one of the most precise indicators for projecting future healthcare costs. The record-high HLY level in 2024 suggests that if this trend continues, public finances will be less burdened by costs related to disability and long-term care.
Which measures have the greatest impact on raising HLY?
Analysis of voivodeship data and trends from 2009–2024 shows that HLY is most strongly influenced by:
- Prevention and early detection of chronic diseases, especially diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
- Access to medical infrastructure, including diagnostic facilities at county level.
- Mental health, which is becoming one of the main barriers to high HLY in Europe.
- Lifestyle and health literacy – diet quality, physical activity, tackling addictions.
- Environmental quality, especially air quality, which is clearly visible in data for major agglomerations.
These five areas play the decisive role in determining how long Poles live in good health and should form the foundation of health and regional policy for the next decade.
Final conclusion: healthy life is the key to Poland’s development in the 21st century
HLY is one of the most important and, at the same time, one of the most underrated economic indicators in Poland. GUS data clearly show that rising healthy life expectancy is among the key factors that can determine the strength of the economy, the stability of public finances and the quality of life of citizens. The year 2024 sets a new benchmark – for the government, local authorities and business alike.
If Poland invests in the key areas that improve HLY, it may, within a decade, join the group of EU countries with the most competitive populations – healthy, active and ready to work in a rapidly changing economy.
This is not a question of the healthcare system alone.
It is a question of a strategic economic choice.
