Earlier this year, researchers warned Britain was facing a life expectancy timebomb driven by improving health and better medical care.

Stating life expectancy will increase by up to six years within a generation, by 2030, many women in England and Wales will live to nearly 90 on average, while men will survive to their mid-80s.

In some parts of the country’s a woman’s life expectancy could be as high as 92.

Researchers, from Imperial College London, warned the ageing population would place a much greater strain on the NHS, social services and the pensions sector.

The wealthy should be prepared to pay higher taxes to fund better health and social care, they said.