Joint Strategic Needs Assessment: Data Profile Protected Characteristics

Disability-free life expectancy

Disability-free life expectancy shows the average number of years a person would expect to live without a long lasting physical or mental health condition or disability that limits daily activities.

Disability-free life expectancy at birth (Male)

  • 66.7 years (2018 to 2020)
  • South East 64.3
  • England 62.4

Disability-free life expectancy at 65 (Male)

  • 11.9 years (2018 to 2020)
  • South East 10.8
  • England 9.8

Disability-free life expectancy at birth (female)

  • 65.4 years (2018 to 2020)
  • South East 63.1
  • England 60.9

Disability-free life expectancy at 65 (Female)

  • 11.9 years (2018 to 2020)
  • South East 11
  • England 9.9

This is an important summary measure of health and has implications for: quality of life; fitness for work given increases in the State Pension age; personal finances; social connections and contributions; health and care services; and the wider economy.

It measures progress on the government's 'Ageing Grand Challenge' mission to "ensure that people can enjoy at least 5 extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035, while narrowing the gap between the experience of the richest and poorest."

Source: The Office of Health Improvement and Disparities