We give ourselves a clean bill of health..
»»CSO reveals our optimism for wellbeing »»But two thirds overweight and 39% binge-drink
PEOPLE expect to live for longer while enjoying good health, it has been revealed.
Despite the fact we are getting fatter, drinking more and doing less sport, the vast majority of us think we are in good or very good condition.
The Wellbeing of the Nation report by the Central Statistics Office found Irish people on average expect to live healthily or without a disability for more than 67 years.
The optimistic outlook compares with almost two-thirds of us being classed as overweight or obese, up to 62% from 60% in 2015.
However, the CSO noted that the percentage of people who perceive their health as being good or very good was down from a high of 88% in 2011 to a low of 79% in 2012 before steady increases in more recent years.
It said a general perception of good health was important as it gives an insight into issues that are hard to measure clinically, such as fatigue.
The CSO report also found the amount of people aged 15 and over who still take part in sport fell by about 2% to 45% in 2015.
A total of 39% of people aged 15 or older are said to binge-drink – taking three or more pints in one sitting or six or more measures of spirits.
The report pulls on previously-released data from the census and also some new information to highlight life in Ireland in eight areas including the economy, housing and education levels.
The average work commute has gone up from 26.6 minutes in 2011 to 28.2 minutes in 2016, which the CSO said was “a fall for societal wellbeing”.
It also noted 8.4% of people regularly worked more than 48 hours a week in 2016.
Average household debt fell to €87,900 in 2015 from €93,900 in the previous year while average earnings in 2016 were €36,919 per person and unemployment was down to 8.6%.
While participation in sport has dipped, more money is being spent on sport and leisure – €17.85 in 2015-2016 compared with €14.40 six years earlier. More than a quarter of over-15s volunteered in 2013, either through organisations or directly. Almost half of adults believe crime is a very serious problem while 5% self-reported being victims of crime including violent and non-violent theft, physical assault and fraud.
The CSO said this number has remained fairly constant over time. The report also referenced the growing homelessness crisis and put its last recorded figure at 6,906, although more recent statistics show the numbers are above 8,000.