It is not unrealistic to assume that life expectancy in a modern society will steadily rise over time. Medical advancements and greater understanding of health in general has changed Scotland for the better.
The ban on smoking in public places is one of several achievements that have helped. So why is it that life expectancy among Scots is not just stalling, but falling?
A baby born between 2019 and 2021 can expect to live 76 years if male and 80 years for women. That’s a reduction of 11 weeks on the previous figures. It means life expectancy in Scotland continues to lag behind England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
