UK Life Expectancy
UK life expectancy at age 65 (ONS): around 19 years for men, 21 for women.
ONS life tables give cohort and period life expectancy by age. Period life expectancy at 65 in the UK has stalled around 18-21 years post-2010.
Worked examples
Age 65 today: men ~19 more years, women ~21.
Age 50: men ~31 more years, women ~34.
Sources:
ONS life expectancy
· retrieved 2026-05-15.
Frequently asked questions
Period vs cohort life expectancy?
Period uses current mortality rates; cohort projects future improvements. ONS publishes both.
Why does this matter for pensions?
Drawdown planning: if period LE at 65 is 19 years, you need pension to last 25-30 years to be safe (LE is a median, not a maximum).