In the southwest, men enjoy a four-year longer lifespan compared to their counterparts in the east.
In Germany, the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg has one of the lowest smoking-related mortality rates, according to Grigoriev, while its eastern counterpart, Saxony-Anhalt, experiences a significantly lower life expectancy for men, around 79.6 years compared to Saxony-Anhalt's 75.5 years.
This disparity in life expectancy is primarily due to a combination of socio-economic, healthcare, and historical factors.
Economic prosperity and living standards play a significant role. Baden-Württemberg, with its strong economy and lower unemployment rates, offers better living conditions, nutrition, and health outcomes, all of which contribute to longevity. In contrast, Saxony-Anhalt, located in the former East Germany, faces more economic challenges, including higher unemployment and lower average incomes.
Healthcare access and quality also differ significantly between the two states. The healthcare infrastructure in Baden-Württemberg is generally better developed, offering easier access to a higher standard of medical services and preventive care. This disparity affects early diagnosis and treatment of diseases, influencing life expectancy.
Lifestyle and risk factors, such as smoking rates, alcohol consumption, diet, and physical activity, also vary between eastern and western federal states. Historical patterns and cultural factors can influence these health behaviors, impacting longevity.
The historical and social legacy of the former East Germany also contributes to the life expectancy gap. The eastern states, including Saxony-Anhalt, experienced different political and social systems before reunification in 1990, which had lasting effects on public health infrastructure, environmental conditions, and social determinants of health. The slow economic transition after reunification contributed to persistent health disparities.
Janina Böttger, a member of the Bundestag from Saxony-Anhalt, has criticised the inequality in life expectancy, health, social status, and economic opportunities between wealthier and poorer regions. She believes it is the state's responsibility, especially in disadvantaged regions, to ensure social equality, and that the place of residence should not determine life expectancy and opportunities.
The Federal Institute attributes variations in life expectancy to factors such as education, cultural influences, age structure, level of economic development, healthcare system, and ecological conditions. Grigoriev noted that there are general regional differences in mortality rates in all countries, but in Germany, these differences are relatively small compared internationally, particularly when comparing new and old federal states like Saxony-Anhalt and Baden-Württemberg.
In 2021, Baden-Württemberg's gross domestic product (GDP) was approximately €650.2 billion, while Saxony-Anhalt's was €79.4 billion.
This article aims to shed light on the life expectancy gap between Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting the complex interplay of socio-economic, healthcare, and historical factors that contribute to this disparity. It is a reflection of deeper structural and historical inequalities that influence health outcomes over decades rather than short-term variation.
- Investment in education could potentially bridge the life expectancy gap between Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt, as a higher level of educational attainment is associated with healthier lifestyle choices and improved access to opportunities.
- The integration of health-and-wellness programs focusing on science-based information about nutrition, smoking cessation, and physical activity could help reduce health risks in disadvantaged regions like Saxony-Anhalt, contributing to increased life expectancy and overall wellbeing.
