New data from Greece’s Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) raise concerns about the quality of life in old age — even as life expectancy continues to rise. While Greeks are living longer than ever, many of those additional years are marked by chronic health issues and functional limitations, according to ELSTAT’s latest report on living conditions.
Longer Lives, But Not Necessarily Healthier Ones
In 2024, life expectancy at birth in Greece reached 84.5 years for women and 79.3 years for men — among the highest in Europe. Yet behind these impressive figures lies a more complex reality. The concept of “healthy life expectancy” tells a different story: for a 65-year-old man, an average of 18.6 additional years of life is expected — but only 8.1 of those are projected to be free from activity-limiting health problems. For women aged 65, the gap is even wider: although they can expect to live another 21.8 years, just 8.3 are considered healthy.
This suggests that a significant portion of Greece’s elderly population lives with long-term health challenges or physical restrictions — raising questions about the sustainability and quality of extended longevity.
Self-Perceived Health vs. Reality
Despite these trends, most Greeks assess their health positively: 78.3% rate it as either “very good” or “good.” However, 24.5% of the population acknowledges living with a chronic health condition — a figure that has remained consistently high over the past decade.
Unmet Medical Needs Remain Widespread
Access to healthcare remains a critical issue. In 2024, 13.6% of Greeks reported needing medical examinations or treatment that the system failed to provide. Key barriers include financial constraints, long waiting lists, geographic distance from healthcare providers, and lack of transport. Notably, this unmet need is higher among women (15.1%) than men (12.0%).
Ageing Population Drives Social Spending
Spending patterns reflect demographic pressures. Under the European System of Integrated Social Protection Statistics (ESSPROS), 52.2% of total social protection expenditure in Greece is allocated to “Old Age,” while “Sickness” accounts for 23.1%. The latter has risen steadily — from 18.4% in 2014 to 23.1% in 2023 — signaling growing demand for health services amid an ageing society.
Hospital Infrastructure Stagnates Amid Rising Demand
Despite increasing needs, hospital infrastructure has shown little growth. The ratio of hospital beds per 100,000 residents — along with staffing levels and other key indicators — remains largely unchanged, even as the population ages and chronic disease prevalence rises.