The changing face (and age) of Ireland

A CHILD born today can expect to live nine years longer than someone born in 1960, according to a report released yesterday.

Life expectancy has also improved dramatically in the past four decades, the level of premature death (death before the age of 70) has halved and infant death rates are five times lower. However, improvement in health status has been accompanied by a rise in the incidence of some chronic diseases, including asthma and diabetes, the latter linked to the rapid rise in obesity.

An ageing population has also led to a rise in the number with chronic conditions.