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Centenarians increase five-fold over 30 years, ONS says Centenarians increase five-fold over 30 years, ONS says
(about 1 hour later)
The number of centenarians in England and Wales has increased five-fold over the last 30 years, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).The number of centenarians in England and Wales has increased five-fold over the last 30 years, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Its estimates suggest there were 12,320 people aged 100 or older in 2012, with more than 600 of these aged over 105.Its estimates suggest there were 12,320 people aged 100 or older in 2012, with more than 600 of these aged over 105.
The newly published figures also suggest the population of over-90s - a group the ONS calls the "very old" - increased by 33% from 2002 to 2012.The newly published figures also suggest the population of over-90s - a group the ONS calls the "very old" - increased by 33% from 2002 to 2012.
Last year they numbered 465,000, almost 1% of the population, the ONS said.Last year they numbered 465,000, almost 1% of the population, the ONS said.
Death data According to the ONS estimates, there were 2.6 women for every man aged over 90, and 5.9 women for every man over 100.
The figures suggest there were 2.6 women for every man aged over 90, and 5.9 women for every man over 100. The proportion of older men has increased in recent years. In 2002 there were 3.3 women for every man aged over 90, and eight women for every man over 100.
In 1981 there were an estimated 2,420 centenarians in England and Wales, and that figure increased to 7,090 in 2002. 'Cause for celebration'
The estimated number of over-90s was 157,390 in 1981 and 350,700 in 2002. Figures on the over-90 population have been produced consistently since 1981.
Estimates are produced by using "age-at-death" data. By analysing the ages and locations of people at death, the ONS estimates the number of people alive at a certain age in a certain area. The ONS estimates there were 157,390 over-90s in that year, and 350,700 in 2002. These numbers included 2,420 centenarians in 1981, and 7,090 in 2002.
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the new figures were a "real cause for celebration".
She said the over-85 age group was the fastest-growing part of the population and warned that "we all need to adapt to our rapidly ageing society".
"There is no excuse for not planning ahead to ensure that health, care, pensions, housing and other services are able to meet the needs of an ageing population," she added.
"This is not just about government action. Individually and collectively we need to help people make the most of a longer later life."
The latest statistics also include figures from other countries which produced comparable data for 2012.
Country comparison
According to the ONS, 823 out of every 100,000 - one in 121 - people in England and Wales were aged at least 90.
Japan had the highest proportion, with 1,197 per 100,000, while India was the lowest on the list on 58 - meaning one in every 1,700 people in the country was 90 or over.
Sweden, France and Italy had a higher proportion of over-90s than England and Wales, while Norway, Australia and the US were among those lower on the list.
ONS estimates are produced by using "age-at-death" data. By analysing the ages and locations of people at death, statisticians estimate the number of people alive at a certain age in a certain area.
The figures are revised as more death data is received, and the most recent estimates are based on deaths in the last five years.The figures are revised as more death data is received, and the most recent estimates are based on deaths in the last five years.
The ONS produces the figures for uses including research, pension and healthcare planning, parliamentary questions and media enquiries.The ONS produces the figures for uses including research, pension and healthcare planning, parliamentary questions and media enquiries.
Figures for Northern Ireland, published in June, do not show centenarians but the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency estimated there were 11,000 over-90s in 2012 out of a total population of 1,823,600.
Estimated figures for Scotland will be published on 1 October.