Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
04 September 2015 09:13
Men and women are living longer
People continue to lead longer and fuller lives - and it appears men are catching up with women when it comes to life expectancy rates.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show men can now expect to live until 79 while women can hope to reach 83.
Advances in medical treatments are said to be part of the reason why people are enjoying longer lives.
Century of change
The data also reveals life expectancy at birth has increased by almost three years per decade over the last 100 years.
Men born in 1910/12 across England and Wales were expected to live to 51. Now they will likely live to see 79.
Among women, life expectancy has jumped from 55 to 83 during the same period.
In addition to the better treatment of illness in old age, the ONS also attributes the change to falling death rates among babies and children.
People aged 60 could expect to live around nine years longer in 2010/12, compared to 100 years earlier.
Care system
With life expectancy constantly getting higher, people have more time to travel the world in their retirement.
Whether it is the trip of a lifetime, taking in multiple continents over several months, or just a week on a beach somewhere, seniors travel insurance lets the over-60s venture abroad, knowing they are covered for any eventuality.
But an ageing population brings with it a number of challenges, particularly regarding care.
Andrew Kaye, head of policy and campaigns at Independent Age, says the country's ageing population is one of the most important issues facing society, putting an enormous strain on the care system.
If the UK is to be the best place to grow old in, he claims an honest debate is needed about what kind of health, social, housing and transport services the older population wants - and how much society is willing to pay for them.
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.