Chronic health problems rise by more than eight points in two years and now affect two out of every three Spaniards

The 2025 Spanish Health Survey reveals a health crisis characterized by chronicity and declining well-being. The majority of the population lives with long-term illnesses, which disproportionately affect women and consolidate patterns such as hypertension and high cholesterol. This physical deterioration is accompanied by a decline in mental health, marked by a significant increase in depressive symptoms and a historic drop in subjective perceptions of overall well-being. Concurrently, there is a growing functional dependence that anticipates aging, alongside contradictory changes in risk behaviors. While smoking has reached historic lows thanks to effective measures, alcohol consumption has become more frequent and intense among adults and older adults, and the use of medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, has surged dramatically. These trends highlight an increasing burden on the healthcare system and rising social vulnerability, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups. This analysis is crucial for the open data movement, as it demonstrates how transparency in public statistics enables the real-time identification of structural inequalities and health emergencies. The accessibility of these data facilitates accountability and informed decision-making, allowing civil society and public officials to design preventive and equitable health policies in response to a rapidly evolving epidemiological landscape.

Source: 20minutos.es
Published on 2026-10-21

Chronic health problems rise by more than eight points in two years and now affect two out of every three Spaniards

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