Older demographics set to boom with two-thirds of newborns now predicted to live to 100
60 could become the new 40 for babies born today after figures published by the Office for National Statistics found that up to two thirds of all newborns this year could live long enough to celebrate their centenary.
The surprising prediction was contained in the latest ONS projections which have been charting rising life expectancy, which is also benefitting older generations – massively increasing the demographic significance of older people.
Baby boomers for instance who are now approaching retirement can expect to draw their pensions for up to 24 years, 50 per cent longer than their parents enjoyed. This has come on the back of women gaining an additional six years of life expectancy to survive well into their 90s.
Current conservative estimates suggest that one in seven 65 year old women and one in 12 newly retired men will receive a telegram from the queen.