Inequalities in UK adult life expectancy ‘are growing’

Growing inequalities in adult life expectancy rates in the UK have been identified by a new report.

Research from Cass Business School and the International Longevity Centre-UK has measured the differences in age between the earliest ten percent of adult deaths and the top five percent of survivors, finding that the gaps between the two is expanding.

In England and Wales, five percent of men that reached the age of 30 are living on average to 96.0 years, 33.3 years longer than the lowest ten percent. This gap grew by 1.7 years between 1993, when it was at its narrowest, and 2009.

This marks the first time since the 1870s that this life expectancy discrepancy has increased, with unhealthy lifestyles being the main cause. Since those in lower socioeconomic groups are most likely to make damaging lifestyle choices, this is increasingly becoming a class issue.

Study leader and professor of statistics Les Mayhew said: "The research argues that more powerful policy tools aimed at behavioural change are needed to steer people towards healthier lifestyles."