The rising age for claiming the state pension has ignited frustration among claimants, especially as healthy life expectancy in the UK has fallen significantly. Recent data reveals that between 2012-14 and 2022-24, healthy life expectancy across the UK population declined by two years, now averaging 60.7 years for men and 60.9 years for women.
This trend poses a pressing challenge for older individuals approaching the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state pension age, which is set to increase. Sarah Coles of Hargreaves Lansdown highlighted the issue, noting, “There are no guarantees any of us will reach state pension age in robust health, and in nine out of ten UK areas, the average person does not.”
She emphasized the hardship this creates, raising questions about how people will manage if they face ill-health before retirement. Concerns about the impending increase to the state pension age were echoed by respondents in a Standard Life poll.
One 64-year-old man from the East of England acknowledged the financial necessity behind the rise but lamented its timing: “I can understand the need for it to rise because we’re living longer and it must be funded. But it’s unfortunate it’s happening to my generation.”
A 63-year-old woman from London expressed discontent over the continuous increases: “It keeps increasing, and that’s not fair. My mum retired at 60, and now the age keeps being pushed up. I just wish they wouldn’t increase it without proper consideration.”
The current legislation plans to raise the state pension age to 67 by 2028, affecting those born after 1961, with further increases to 68 expected by 2046. Coles warned that these milestones could come sooner than planned, as “healthy life expectancy in most places is already below the current state pension age of 66.”
This reality means many people spend several years in poor health before retirement. In some of the UK’s most deprived areas, healthy life expectancy is under 55 years, indicating that ill health often begins during working age in these communities.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) acknowledged the issue, stating: “It is a disgrace that as a nation we have become unhealthier over the last decade. That is why we are dedicated to tackling health inequalities and building a healthier Britain.”
The government is implementing ambitious measures, including a generational ban on smoking and restrictions on junk food advertising aimed at children, aiming to foster a healthier future generation. The spokesperson added, “We know there is much more to do, but by building an NHS fit for the future, we will help people live well for longer, regardless of their background.”