Older people are living longer, healthier lives

Older people are living longer, healthier lives than they did ten years ago, according to a report published recently.

Not only has life expectancy for those over 65 increased, but healthy life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy at age 65, have increased. Pensioners are also better off than they were ten years ago with their average income growing faster than earnings and their net income growing 29% between 1997-2007.

Minister Rosie Winterton said: "We should celebrate the fact that people are now living longer, healthier lives. In the next 20 years more than half of us will be over 50. It is vital that we address the needs of increasing numbers of older people across a whole range of areas and that is why we are developing a new strategy for an ageing society."

The report "Opportunity Age Indicators" looks at progress made since the Government published their strategy for an ageing society in 2005. The new strategy will build on this and address four key areas: creating an age friendly society, preparing for later life, living well in later life and providing stronger protection and support.

13.05.09

<< Back to News page