A study from the University of Glasgow says that the rising cost of living in the UK, driven by inflation, could have serious consequences. It might lead to more people dying prematurely (before they reach 75) – an increase of about 6.5 percent.

The study predicts that the poorest households will be hit the hardest. They could see four times as many extra deaths compared to the richest households. This is because people with lower incomes have to spend a larger chunk of their money on energy, which has become much more expensive.

Affecting death rates

The researchers looked at how inflation affected death rates in Scotland in 2022-3, considering different scenarios with or without government help to reduce household expenses. They then used this data to make predictions about life expectancy and inequalities across the whole UK, depending on different policies.

Without any help, the model suggests that inflation could lead to a 5 percent increase in deaths in the least deprived areas and a shocking 23 percent increase in the most deprived areas. But with some mitigation measures, these numbers drop to 2 percent and 8 percent, resulting in an overall estimated increase of around 6.5 percent in premature deaths.

The study also warns that life expectancy will go down in all cases, highlighting the urgent need to address the rising cost of living caused by inflation.

“Our analysis contributes to evidence that the economy matters for population health,” the researchers conclude. “The mortality impacts of inflation and real-terms income reduction are likely to be large and negative, with marked inequalities in how these are experienced.”