Voices on ... longer lives

“The fact we will continue to live longer means we need to think about strengthening the health and social care systems to support an ageing population with multiple health needs.”

Majid Ezzati, Imperial College London on new research suggesting average female life expectancy will soon reach 90

“In the UK, our health and social care set-ups are going down the pan already. What state are they going to be in after 2030? I imagine 70- and 80-year-old children tottering around caring for their ancient parents. Unless they’re still working, because who can afford to be retired for 2530 years? ... I am frightened of death, but almost more frightened of living to a very old age.”

Michele Hanson, The Guardian

“The key to reaching such a good age is to keep active and interested in things. Life is an education and if you don’t learn as you go along, that’s bad. I’ve learned to see things in a different way over time. My biggest lesson is to be more patient. I used to worry about things but now I don’t.”

Jean Miller, 94, from Falkirk, The Guardian

“It’s to be celebrated that children will know their grandparents and maybe greatgrandparents and vice versa. The fact people can live more healthy lives as well as longer ones is to be celebrated too.”

Hamish McRae, The Independent