The pandemic saw a jump in the number of deaths in the UK, particularly in 2020 and 2021, which in turn caused a fall in life expectancy estimates. Greg Ceely, ONS head of population life events, said: “UK life expectancy has increased for both men and women in the most recent period. “At the national level, this marks a return to pre-pandemic levels for women, although for men life expectancy remained just below 2017 to 2019 levels. The geographical divide is also evident in the areas where life expectancy is at or above pre-pandemic levels. “This stalling of life expectancy reflects a long-term failure to improve the nation’s health.

Source: The Times December 10, 2025 12:57 UTC