People are living longer

Based on the mortality rates in 2005, the life expectancy at 65 is 17.7 years for males and 20.7 years for females.

Over the past 25 years, the mortality rates have been falling by an average of 3% yearly.

If this trend continues, and there is every reason to believe that it will, the life expectancy at 65 is expected to increase to 23.4 years for males and 27.5 years for females.

52% of males at 65 are expected to live to 85 years and 24% to 95 years. The proportion for females are 65% and 32% respectively.

        Based on death rates   Allow for decline in  
        in 2005                death rate, 3% yearly
         75yrs  85yrs  95yrs  75yrs  85yrs 95yrs

Male       77%   39%     7%     80%    52%   24%
Female     87%   53%    11%     88%    65%   32%

Note: The calculations are based on the mortality rates taken from the population, with projection for future improvement in mortality.