Record number of people aged 90 and over
Published on 09 August 2013 03:00 PM
New official figures show more people are living into their 90s than ever before, underlining the UK's demographic revolution and the need for more urgency from government and local authorities.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released its mid-year population estimates for 2011 and 2012, which show the number of people aged 90 or over in the UK has surpassed half a million for the first time.
In 2012, the ONS statistics say there were 513,400 people aged 90 and over in the UK. That is an increase of 32% (125,200) from 388,200 in 2002.
Important milestone
Age UK believes the new figures highlight the UK's changing demographic and demand urgent attention from government and local authorities.
Michelle Mitchell, Age UK Charity Director General, said: ‘This is a real milestone and underscores the fact that so many people are living longer. Our society is currently undergoing a demographic revolution as more people enjoy a life expectancy denied to previous generations, but this also demands urgent attention from government and local authorities to ensure that services adapt to embrace these changes.'
The statistics also show the number of males aged 75 and over in the UK has increased by 26% since mid-2001, while there has been an increase of 6% for females in this age group.
The ONS has attributed the faster improvements in male mortality to changes seen in tobacco smoking and advances in health treatments for circulatory illnesses. Male occupations over the same period are also safer and less physical.