Life Expectancy

Life expectancy has been increasing around 6 months every 10 years for the last 100 years. In the early 90's when writing financial plans for clients we used a life expectancy projection of age 85, now we use age 93 when doing retirement income projections. However, life expectancy increases may start to slow down as obesity levels are now rising throughout the Western world.

 

According to the NZ Department of Statistics in 1955 the life expectancy of a 60 year old non Maori male in New Zealand was 76. In 2011 life expectancy had increased to 81 years. Our life style today is very different to our parents - more exercise, eating more healthy foods.

Its a fact: the longer you live the longer you are more likely to live.

 

Surveys have shown that the "new old age" starts at age 76.

 

To get an idea on your own personal situation rather than using generalised life expectancy tables we recommend the life expectancy tool at mylongevity.com.au