Declining Health Perception in Germany Spurs Calls for School Health Education in Niedersachsen

Recent data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows that the health perception among Germans has worsened in 2024, with only 64.2% of adults rating their health as very good or good—down more than three percentage points from 2023. Furthermore, 21.9% of the population reported depressive symptoms, and over half (53.7%) have chronic health issues, disproportionately affecting those with lower educational attainment. The RKI’s new panel, comprising over 40,000 adults aged 16 and older, reveals notable disparities: older adults experience more physical health limitations while younger people face increased psychological stress. RKI President Lars Schaade highlighted the importance of this data for timely insights into public health. In response to the rising health challenges, especially among youth, Niedersachsen's Health Minister Andreas Philippi has proposed introducing a dedicated health subject in schools. He cites poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and elevated stress levels as pressing issues overwhelming students. Philippi argues that formal health education in schools is crucial to effectively equip young people with the knowledge and skills to manage their well-being. This initiative reflects growing awareness of the need for health education alongside the RKI's ongoing efforts to expand data collection on population health metrics.