Number of centenarians doubles in 20 years, ONS data shows
UKPulse Money Desk
New figures reveal a significant increase in the number of people living to 100, raising questions about pension savings lasting for longer retirements.
- In mid-2025, 15,172 people in the UK were at least 100 years old, double the number from 20 years prior.
- There were an estimated 581,414 people aged 90 or over in England and Wales in 2025, a 54% increase since 2005.
- Women constitute 66% of those over 90 and 81% of those over 100.
New statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate a growing number of people living to advanced ages. In the middle of 2025, 15,172 individuals were at least 100 years old, a figure that has doubled over the past two decades.
The ONS data also shows that in 2025, an estimated 581,414 people in England and Wales were aged 90 or over, representing a 54% increase compared to 2005. Women account for two-thirds (66%) of those over 90 and 81% of those over 100.
With the state pension age currently at 66, and average retirement ages for women at 65 and men at 66, a retirement period of 30 to 35 years is becoming common. This trend suggests that individuals may need their pension savings to last for several decades, increasing the risk of running out of money later in life.
Why this matters: The increasing average retirement period means individuals face a greater risk of outliving their pension savings.
What this means for you: If you are planning for retirement, the increasing average lifespan suggests you may need to ensure your pension savings can sustain you for a longer period, potentially several decades.