There are various questions that people have around life expectancy, do married people last longer? Do children reduce life expectancy? Do women or men live longer?
Recent analysis of ONS data conducted by life insurance brokers Reassured set out to find out the answers to these questions.
Women live longer than men
The research found that women live nearly three years longer than men on average, women currently live an average of 87.2 years, yet the average for men is 84.3 years. Interestingly, the life expectancy gap is reduced between the two genders, with the average for men increasing by 1.1 years to 85.4 years, while life expectancy for women reduces by one year to 86.2 years.
Sara Davison, The Divorce Coach, believes it’s still worthwhile looking for love though, even if it could affect your life expectancy: “Love and connection is one of our primary needs, so it’s a vital ingredient for a happy and fulfilled life. They say that nothing worth having comes easy and a healthy relationship takes hard work, commitment, and a willingness to adapt and grow with your partner.”
For men and women with the average life expectancy over 80, it is important for those reaching the age of 60 to give their family protection by looking at over 60s life insurance.
Does being a parent reduce life expectancy?
It is no secret becoming a parent can be tiring and extremely hard work at times. However, the research surprisingly reveals that having children will actually add to your life expectancy. Men who have become a father have a life expectancy of 85.7 years, while men without children on average live nearly three years less with an average life expectancy of 82.9 years.
Mothers’ life expectancy is even higher than fathers, standing at 88.3 years, while women without children have an average life expectancy of 86 years.
South-East England have the highest life expectancy in the UK
Life expectancy can differ depending on location, with the research finding that the South-East had the highest overall life expectancy in the UK at 87 years. However, Scotland had the lowest life expectancy of just 83.9 years.
The data highlighted the locations in the UK where people were in ‘good health’. For both men and women, one of the most idyllic places to live in Britain, the Orkney Islands in Scotland was the place to live for prolonged good health, with men spending 88% of their life in ‘good health’, while women a staggering 91%. In contrast, Blackpool was the worst performing area in the UK with men spending 72% of their life in good health, while women only 70%.
Chief Executive at Reassured, Steve Marshall commented on the findings:
“Following what has been a year of much turbulence and uncertainty, many of us are likely to have spent at least some time re-evaluating what is truly important, whether it be our partner, the children, the grandchildren or the family home.”
“Life is often described as being short. But it’s fascinating to see how many elements of our everyday lives can impact these numbers, which is why we believe it’s so essential to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones, and to also ensure we have the necessary financial protection in place.”
“This is why we are so passionate about life insurance and the peace of mind it can help provide.”
