The proportion of men reaching advanced ages in England and Wales is rising, narrowing the longstanding longevity gap between men and women, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). As of mid-2025, men accounted for approximately one-third of the population aged 90 and over, a notable increase from previous years.

The ONS estimates that there were 581,400 people aged 90 or older in England and Wales at that time, marking a 3 percent increase from the year before and a 16 percent growth since 2015. The male segment of this age group grew by 35 percent over the same period, with men now representing 34 percent of all nonagenarians. Among centenarians, men make up 18 percent of the population, with women still substantially outnumbering men. For every man aged 100 or older, there were approximately 4.3 women.

The number of centenarians has continued to rise steadily, surpassing 15,000 for the first time in mid-2025. This figure represents a nearly 4 percent increase from the previous year’s 14,635 and a 91 percent increase compared with 7,950 in 2005. Women accounted for the majority of this group, with 12,322 women and 2,850 men aged 100 or more.

In addition, the ONS reported 709 individuals aged 105 or over in England and Wales last year, a 34 percent rise from 529 the year before. This is the highest number recorded at this age to date and reflects the aging of the large cohort born shortly after World War I, particularly in 1919 and 1920. Women comprised the majority of this group, with 629 out of the 709 being female. The centenarian and supercentenarian populations have been increasing for much of this century, more than doubling since 2005 when 349 people were estimated to be aged 105 or older.

Experts highlighted the significance of these demographic changes. Ben Franklin, deputy chief executive of the International Longevity Centre, described the rising number of men reaching their nineties as a clear indication of seismic shifts in the population. He noted projections that by 2047, England could have over one million people aged 90 and above, including 400,000 men. Franklin emphasized the need for health, care, and public systems to adapt to the demands of a much older population.

David Brooks, head of policy at the financial consultancy Broadstone, underscored challenges linked to increasing longevity. He pointed to the growing pressure on public finances due to higher demand for state pensions, social care, and related benefits. Brooks warned that, with a shrinking working-age population supporting an expanding retired cohort, governments will need to carefully consider how costs are distributed among generations. Without reforms in taxation, pension policies, and care provision, he said, the financial burden on those of working age could become increasingly burdensome.