VitalityIndex
The Health Profile of the
World's Wealthiest Nations
An analysis of the Top 20 Countries by Median Wealth. Does economic prosperity guarantee health longevity? This report examines the intricate relationship between wealth, demographics, and epidemiology, revealing a shift towards lifestyle-driven morbidity and the challenges of an aging population.
Wealth vs. Longevity
While there is a general correlation between national wealth and life expectancy, the returns diminish at the highest levels. Notably, the USA stands as a significant outlier with high wealth but lower relative life expectancy, influenced by external causes of death and healthcare disparities.
The Demographic Inversion
The most pressing trend across these 20 nations is the Inverted Population Pyramid. With fertility rates well below the replacement level of 2.1, the workforce is shrinking relative to the retired population, increasing the Dependency Ratio.
Fertility Gap
Target: 2.1Most wealthy nations rely on net migration to maintain population stability as natural increase turns negative.
Population Age Structure (%)
Mortality Landscape
In the top 20 wealthy nations, infectious diseases have largely been replaced by Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as the primary causes of death.
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Circulatory System Ischaemic heart disease remains the leading killer, though rates are declining due to better management.
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Neoplasms (Cancer) Cancer rates are high due to longevity, but survival rates are also among the highest globally.
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Neurodegenerative Alzheimer's and Dementia are rising rapidly as the 85+ demographic expands.
Causes of Death (ICD-11)
Fetal & Infant Mortality
Comparing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR per 1k) vs Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR per 100k).
The Burden of Morbidity
While mortality rates decline, morbidity (sickness) is changing. The "Diseases of Affluence" create a complex epidemiological profile characterized by chronic management rather than acute cure.
Mental Health
High prevalence of anxiety and depression, heavily impacting disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes are rising, correlating with sedentary lifestyles despite high healthcare spend.
Cancer Incidence
Higher incidence rates than developing nations, driven by detection and age, but lower mortality.
External Causes
Accidents and suicides remain significant, particularly in specific outliers like the USA and South Korea.