These include chronic back problems, mental ill-health, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and high-risk drinking. Experts also found a link between youngsters having problems in childhood, such as being overweight or internalising problems, and chronic health problems in middle age. They were also asked about chronic physical health conditions, their mental health and whether they were high-risk drinkers. The data showed that 26 per cent of people engaged in high-risk drinking, 21 per cent reported recurrent back issues, and 19 per cent were experiencing mental health problems. Sixteen per cent had high blood pressure, 12 per cent were suffering from asthma or bronchitis, 8 per cent had arthritis and 5 per cent had diabetes in midlife.

Source: The Nation July 28, 2021 00:00 UTC