Population to leap by four million by 2018
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The population of the UK is forecast to soar by over four million by 2018 and by 10 million to 71.6 million by 2033, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures from the ONS also show that life expectancy in the UK has reached its high- est level for men and women.
The proportion of people aged 65 or over is expected to rise from 16 per cent in 2008 to 23 per cent by 2033. Life expectancy at birth is now 77.4 years for a male, up from 73.4 years in 1991-93, and 81.6 years for a female, up from 78.9 years.
The gender gap has narrowed from six years to 4.2 years.
In 1980-82, 26 per cent of newborn males would die before age 65 but this had reduced to 15 per cent in 2006-08 while the comparative figures for females are 6 per cent in 1980-82 and 10 per cent in 2006-08.
The ONS says despite scheduled rises in state pension age, support ratios will fall. In 2008, there were 3.2 people of working age for every pensioner but this is projected to drop to 2.8 by 2033.
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