A report published today, Estimates of the Very Old (including Centenarians) for England and Wales, reveals life expectancy continues to increase in England and Wales. In 2011 there were estimated to be 440,290 people aged 90 and over.

Although this cohort accounts for just 0.8% of the total population, over the last thirty years the number of oldest pensioners has almost tripled from 157,385 to 440,290 people.

Between 2002 and 2011 alone, there was a 26% increase in the number of pensioners aged over 90. In comparison, between 2002 and 2011 there was a 4% increase in those aged 70-79 and a 13% increase in those aged 80-89.

The report said: “Growth in the numbers of the ‘oldest old’ is of policy interest because of implications for pensions, health and social care.”

Meanwhile, the gap is beginning to narrow between the numbers of men and women in this age group. In 1981 there were 4.0 women per man aged 90 and over. By 2002 this had reduced to 3.3 and by 2011 the ratio was 2.7 women per man aged 90 and over, the report shows.

Just Retirement director Stephen Lowe says: “It is common knowledge that people are living longer, but today’s data shows a 26% increase in the number of people aged 90 and over in less than ten years – that is an eye opening statistic.

“Planning for the provision of long term care will be a vital part of planning for retirement and old age. We fully support the government’s plans for regulated financial advice in the Draft Care and Support Bill, and the creation of a national awareness programme. It is important people working now, as well as those approaching and in retirement, understand the true costs of long term care.”