Implications of an ageing population need to be understood

This is the argument Professor Kaare Christensen will be presenting to an international conference on mortality and longevity in Edinburgh, 21 - 22 October 2009 hosted by the Actuarial Profession.

Professor Christensen, of the University of Southern Denmark, and his colleagues hit the headlines earlier this month with a study showing that if the progress we have seen in the 20th and 21st centuries continues, half of all babies born in wealthy countries today will live to 100. In his address, Professor Christensen will suggest that exceptional longevity, i.e. people who live to 100 and above, need not result in excessive levels of disability.

The conference will also hear that studies of recent cohorts of Danish centenarians show that while female centenarians seem to be getting fitter, the same cannot be said for their male counterparts.

Professor Christensen said: “People are getting older and are staying old longer. By having a clearer understanding of the quality of life they can expect to enjoy we can better plan the care we will need to provide.”

                                                                                            -- ENDS --

Members of the press are welcome to attend the conference.

For more information or to arrange a press pass, please contact Michael Scanlan on 020 7632 1453 / 07798 804 871 or email michael.scanlan@actuaries.org.uk

Notes to Editors

1. Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of a business's assets and liabilities, especially where long term management and planning are critical to the success of any business venture. They also advise individuals, and advise on social and public interest issues.
2. Members of the Profession have a statutory role in the supervision of pension funds and life insurance companies. They also have a statutory role to provide actuarial opinions for managing agents at Lloyds.
3. The Profession is governed jointly by the Faculty of Actuaries in Edinburgh and the Institute of Actuaries in London. A rigorous examination system is supported by a programme of continuing professional development and a professional code of conduct supports high standards reflecting the significant role of the Profession in society.
4. The Profession is available to provide expert comment to the media on a range of actuarial-related issues, including enterprise risk management, finance and investment, general insurance, health and care, life assurance, mortality, and pensions.