Well-off people live an average of seven years longer than those in poorer groups, a new report has warned.The gap between the lifestyles of the rich and poor is having a major impact on the chances of living a healthy life, it suggested.
And the stark figures mean that plans to raise the retirement age to 68 will cause hardship for millions because three-quarters of people will be too ill to work.
Although life expectancy for the worst off has improved in the last decade - by an extra 2.9 years - more needs to be done, the report said.
The review, commissioned by the Department of Health, calls on ministers to act to reduce the gulf between rich and poor.
You can access the full report, Fair Society, Healthy Lives, known as the Marmot Report, here.
