Commenting on ONS statistics on life expectancy by socioeconomic position, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, the older people’s charity, said:
“Today’s figures are a sombre reminder that the poorest in society are being left behind. We are the fifth largest economy in the world, but our poorest older people can expect to live several years less than their wealthier counterparts.
“The overall figures mask the fact that life expectancy for the poorest people turning 65 now has only just caught up with the life expectancy wealthier older people enjoyed in the 1980s.
“We must do more to close this gap, and that means investing in a health, social care and welfare system fit for our ageing population and fit for one of the richest countries in the world.”