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Number of people aged 100 and over in the UK increases by 85% in 15 years

In 2017 there were 579,776 people aged 90 or over living in the UK, including 14,430 centenarians
In 2017 there were 579,776 people aged 90 or over living in the UK, including 14,430 centenarians

The number of people aged 100 or of in the UK has increased by 85% over the last 15 years, new data shows.

The latest numbers from the Office of National Statistics show that in 2017 there were 14,430 centenarians living in British, and 579,776 people aged 90 or over.

The data also shows that more men are now reaching their 100th birthday, narrowing the gap between the number of female and male centenarians.

In 2002, there were 8.22 women aged 100 years old or over for every man in the UK.

Last year, there were 4.85 female centenarians to every male centenarian.

The number of centenarians decreased slightly between 2016 and 2017 reflecting low numbers of births during World War One
The number of centenarians decreased slightly between 2016 and 2017 reflecting low numbers of births during World War One

Ngaire Coombs, from the centre for ageing and demography at the ONS, said: “We are continuing to see higher numbers of people aged 90 years and over in the UK due to improvements in mortality going back many decades.

“While we have seen growing numbers of centenarians in recent years, there has been a slight decrease between 2016 and 2017.

“This is due to lower numbers of births during World War One.

“The number of centenarians is likely to increase again from 2019 in line with historic birth patterns.”

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Jane Ashcroft, Chief Executive at Anchor, which provides housing and care for the elderly, called on the government to ensure that social care provision could keep up with the UK’s ageing population.

She said: “It’s fantastic to hear that so many of us are now living into our 90s in the UK, and it’s important we celebrate that we are living longer thanks to medical advances and better living conditions.

“We must, however, not forget that with an ageing population comes greater responsibility to cater for our older people living well into retirement. As the figures increase, government must step up to ensure good social care, housing and healthcare remains a priority for older people – who all too often fall through the cracks.

“The appointment of a dedicated Minister for Older People would send a clear message that the government is serious about addressing the needs of today’s and future generations of older people.

“The sector eagerly awaits the publication of the social care green paper and a review of funding and reform. It’s a chance for policymakers to show they value our ageing population.”