Boys and girls born in 2000 could expect to live to 75 and 80 years of age respectively. This contrasts with the turn of the last century where boys born in 1901 could expect to live to 45, while girls could expect to live to 49.

Over more recent years, the increase in life expectancy among older adults has been particularly dramatic.

Between 1970 and 2000 in England and Wales, life expectancy at age 65 increased by three years for both men and women.

By 2000, men who were aged 65 could expect to live to the age of 81, while women could expect to live to the age of 84. The latest (2001-based) projections suggest that these expectations will increase by a further two years by 2021.