By Eric King-
Figures from the UK office for National statistics in 2015 show that the number of people aged 100 and over have quadrupled over the last two decades. Precisely what is responsible for the longer span is unclear, but it is all good news.
The number of centenarians has risen by 65% or 5,720. There has also been a dramatic increase in the number of people aged over 105, according to the figures. Last year there were 850 reaching the age of 105, up from 130 in 1985.
The BBC reports that statisticians are using the data to predict the life expectancy of the UK population Apparently, those born between 2013 and 2015 are expected to live to the age of 79 if they are a boy, and 82 if they are a girl. This prediction is based on the assumption that mortality rates remain unchanged, the office of national statistics have said.
Mortality rates may generally depend on lifestyle or social exposure, though there have been examples of individuals who have lived beyond 100 years of age whilst smoking lots of cigarettes and having a few glasses of wine. Individuals like that make it almost impossible to tell what factors have contributed to their long life. Genetics may also be a factor, though the idea of genes contributing to long life will necessarily exclude mishap or fallen victim to deadly crimes.
There are over half a million people aged 90 and over in the UK. Life expectancy has increased by 13 weeks a year since 1980 to 1982 for males, and by 9.5 weeks a year on average for females, the office of National statistics said.
In response to the figures, the minister for pensions, Richard Harrington said: “It is fantastic news that more people are living longer lives.
“I want everyone to be able to enjoy their retirement, but as people live longer it’s even more important that they have a pension to help provide financial security in later life.”
He added that saving into a workplace pension was one of the best ways to do this.