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UK healthy life expectancy rises to nearly 64 for men UK healthy life expectancy rises to nearly 64 for men
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Men in the UK expect to live in good health until almost 64 – two years more than they did half a decade ago, official figures show. Men in the UK can expect to live in good health until almost 64 – two years more than they could expect half a decade ago, official figures show.
The Office for National Statistics found that in the UK healthy life expectancy – a measure of how long people thought they would live free from the debilitating effects of chronic disease or disability – had risen for men from 61.4 years in the years 2005-7 to 63.5 years in 2008-10. For women the rise was more dramatic – three and a half years more. The Office for National Statistics found that in the UK healthy life expectancy – the number of years a person can expect to spend in very good or good general health – had risen for men from 61.4 years in the years 2005-7 to 63.5 years in 2008-10. For women the rise was more dramatic – three and a half years more.
The figures came on the day that the ONS also revealed that older workers were retiring early – in effect dropping out of the workforce.The figures came on the day that the ONS also revealed that older workers were retiring early – in effect dropping out of the workforce.
There appeared to be significant national differences with men reporting expectations of a healthy life until 64.4 years in England and 63.0 years in Wales, up from 61.6 years and 59.2 years respectively. There appeared to be significant national differences with healthy life expectancy at 64.4 years in England and 63.0 years in Wales, up from 61.6 years and 59.2 years respectively.
However in Scotland and Northern Ireland men's healthy life expectancy declined from 61.2 years to 59.8 years and from 60.7 years to 59.2 years. The ONS said that some of this could be explained by the "UK labour market, where the percentage of older workers is greater in England and Wales than in Scotland and Northern Ireland".However in Scotland and Northern Ireland men's healthy life expectancy declined from 61.2 years to 59.8 years and from 60.7 years to 59.2 years. The ONS said that some of this could be explained by the "UK labour market, where the percentage of older workers is greater in England and Wales than in Scotland and Northern Ireland".
Experts emphasised that there were "real lifestyle differences between the nations".Experts emphasised that there were "real lifestyle differences between the nations".
Alan Maryon-Davis, professor of public health at King's College London, said there were "markedly more smoking, bad diets and drinking in Scotland and Northern Ireland … that will affect how much healthcare people need. But also we have to note that in terms of workforce it will affect who can work longer. We want people to live lives where they can be economically useful, have better relationships and contribute to society."Alan Maryon-Davis, professor of public health at King's College London, said there were "markedly more smoking, bad diets and drinking in Scotland and Northern Ireland … that will affect how much healthcare people need. But also we have to note that in terms of workforce it will affect who can work longer. We want people to live lives where they can be economically useful, have better relationships and contribute to society."
The ONS says that by the time men reach 65 in the UK they have 10 years of healthy life left on average but 18 years of total life expectancy. For women the comparable figures are almost 12 years of healthy life but 20 years of life expectancy.The ONS says that by the time men reach 65 in the UK they have 10 years of healthy life left on average but 18 years of total life expectancy. For women the comparable figures are almost 12 years of healthy life but 20 years of life expectancy.
In a paper accompanying the statistical release the ONS said the life expectancy gap between men and women was narrowing due to changes in lifestyle and employment – with less of the male workforce employed in heavy industry.In a paper accompanying the statistical release the ONS said the life expectancy gap between men and women was narrowing due to changes in lifestyle and employment – with less of the male workforce employed in heavy industry.
"Life expectancy for males has increased at a slightly higher rate than for females in recent years, causing an overall narrowing of the gender gap. In part this may be due to changes in lifestyle, such as more rapid declines in rates of alcohol consumption and smoking among males compared with females. There may also be reductions in the health risks associated with occupations traditionally undertaken by males such as the coal and steel industries.""Life expectancy for males has increased at a slightly higher rate than for females in recent years, causing an overall narrowing of the gender gap. In part this may be due to changes in lifestyle, such as more rapid declines in rates of alcohol consumption and smoking among males compared with females. There may also be reductions in the health risks associated with occupations traditionally undertaken by males such as the coal and steel industries."
Earlier this year the Church Urban Fund showed a significant north-south divide – with life expectancy for people living in England's most deprived areas up to 20 years lower than for those in affluent districts.Earlier this year the Church Urban Fund showed a significant north-south divide – with life expectancy for people living in England's most deprived areas up to 20 years lower than for those in affluent districts.
Groups representing older people said that increasing life expectancy was "great news" but posed challenges. Ros Altmann, director general of Saga, said: "The latest figures showing that more of us are staying healthy into later life these days are really something to celebrate. Medical advances have brought such success in helping people live longer. That does also mean re-evaluating our lives too.Groups representing older people said that increasing life expectancy was "great news" but posed challenges. Ros Altmann, director general of Saga, said: "The latest figures showing that more of us are staying healthy into later life these days are really something to celebrate. Medical advances have brought such success in helping people live longer. That does also mean re-evaluating our lives too.
"Working longer, keeping active – and saving more if you can – are vital ingredients of managing the ageing population. We need to help older people look after themselves where possible and help younger people appreciate the value of elders.""Working longer, keeping active – and saving more if you can – are vital ingredients of managing the ageing population. We need to help older people look after themselves where possible and help younger people appreciate the value of elders."
• This article was amended on 31 August 2012 because the original said healthy life expectancy was "a measure of how long people thought they would live free from the debilitating effects of chronic disease or disability". This has been corrected.