Pensioners can expect to live longer than ever, study shows

Updated

Life expectancy in old age in England has risen to its highest-ever level.

The length of time pensioners can expect to live once they reach milestones in old age, based on figures for 2014, has gone up since the previous year, a new report from Public Health England reveals.

Men who reach 65 can look forward to another 19 years, a rise of 0.3 years on 2013, and can expect 12 years at 75, six years at 85 and three years at age 95.

Women who make it to 65 should anticipate a further 21 years, also a rise of 0.3 years on 2013, and then another 13 years at 75, seven years at 85, and three years at age 95.

Last year, a report showed that life expectancy at some older ages had dropped between 2011 and 2012 but the levels recovered in 2013.

The exception to the rise for other ages in 2014 is women aged 85 whose life expectancy is at the same level as in 2011.

The report also shows regional differences in life expectancy - the life expectancy for men aged 65 in London, the South West, the South East and the East of England is more than a year longer than in the North East and North West.

But in all but one region of England, male and female life expectancy at age 65 increased between 2013 and 2014 and is higher in 2014 than in any other year presented.

The exception is the North East, where male life expectancy was highest in 2013.

Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England said it was "not yet clear" what caused the regional differences.

He said: "Overall the report presents a positive picture nationally and life expectancy is the highest it's been since we started measuring.

"People in England are living longer than ever and that makes achieving a good quality of life in later years even more important.

"Our current evidence shows that people are living longer but many are doing so in poor health.

"This report is an opportunity to remind people that, even during mid-life, it is not too late to improve your health."

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