Life expectancy rates for both men and women in England and Wales have increased, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics.

The data indicates consistent increases in life expectancy at birth in England and Wales. In 2009-2011, the life expectancy at birth was 78.7 years for men and 82.6 years for women, increasing from 71 years for men and 77 years for women in 1980-1982.

The gap in life expectancy at birth between boys and girls has also narrowed from six years in 1980-1982 to four years in 2009-2011.

In addition, the data suggests that 91% of baby girls and 86% of baby boys born in this period will reach their 65th birthdays. This has increased from 84% and 74% respectively in 1980-1982.

The chance of surviving from birth to age 85 has more than doubled for men over the last three decades from 14% in 1980-82 to 38% in 2009-2011. For women, the chance of surviving to 85 increased from 32% in 1980-1982 to 52% in 2009-2011.

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