New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that boys born in the UK in 2023 can expect to live an average of 86.7 years, while girls are predicted to reach 90 years. The latest projections indicate that life expectancy continues to improve for both men and women, following long-term trends of increasing longevity. A key factor contributing to this is a shift in healthier lifestyles, particularly among men, as well as advancements in medical care.

Interestingly, predictions suggest that more than 10% of boys and 16% of girls born in 2023 could live to 100 years or beyond. Looking further ahead, the ONS estimates that by 2047, one in four baby girls and nearly one in five baby boys could reach their centenary. By this time, average life expectancy at birth is expected to rise to 89.3 years for men and 92.2 years for women, though these figures may fluctuate due to various societal and healthcare developments.

For those reaching retirement age, men who turned 65 in 2023 are projected to live an additional 19.8 years, while women of the same age can expect another 22.5 years on average. By 2047, these figures could increase to 21.8 more years for men and 24.4 more years for women, reflecting continued progress in healthcare and overall quality of life.

The gap in life expectancy between men and women has been steadily narrowing over the years. This trend is largely attributed to reduced smoking rates, improved working conditions for men, and better prevention and treatment of conditions like heart disease. According to the ONS, this difference is expected to shrink further, potentially dropping to just 2.5 years by 2072.