Report: Life expectancy is higher than ever

People in England are living longer than ever, according to a report.

Released earlier this week, the Health Profile of England also revealed death rates from heart disease, cancer and suicides are continuing to fall, while infant mortality is at its lowest.

Other results noted there is a decline in the amount of smokers, however obesity levels in adults and children is increasing.

Commenting on the figures, Dawn Primarolo, public health minister, said: “Seeing the nation’s health and life expectancy improve is extremely encouraging.

“Sustained investment in targeted prevention and treatment have paid off.”

She went on to say there is “much more to do”.

The figures were accompanied by Office for National Statistics numbers, which noted the trend in alcohol-related deaths is now levelling out.

Last month, MRSA bloodstream infections in England were falling, according to quarterly statistics from the Health Protection Agency.

The organisation’s figures revealed the amount of cases were 33 per cent lower than the same time in 2007.