The report comprises four main sections. The first section examines the development in illness in Denmark generally and

in relation to the eight widespread diseases – in Denmark called “folk-diseases” – (cardiovascular diseases, cancer,

musculoskeletal diseases, mental diseases, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes, and asthma and allergy) together with infectious diseases, accidents and violence as well as dental status.

The second section sheds light on factors of signifi cance to public health. First the ”KRAM” factors (diet, smoking, alcohol and exercise) and other lifestyle factors (stress, overweight and use of illicit drugs). Then selected areas governed by living conditions, the importance of the working environment, the external environment and nature for public health. Last follows an examination of the importance of the health services, including the importance of screening, and the need for evidence-based prevention and health promotion.

In the third part the focus is on the state of health of selected population groups: children, elderly, men and women,

social differences and ethnic minorities.

In the fourth and fi nal part, it is attempted to look into the future. How will morbidity develop up to 2020, what will the impact on hospital services be like, and how will preventive and healthpromoting initiatives go?

Life expectancy continues to rise and in 2006 is 75.9 years of age for men and 80.4 for women, but compared with other OECD countries Denmark still ranks bottom. There is a complex interaction involved between individual lifestyle factors, social relations and communities, living conditions and working conditions as well as general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental terms. The individual lifestyle factors account for much of this interaction. The health services seem to be taking on ever greater importance for a proper ability to function and quality of life among the elderly.