The need for preventative healthcare is becoming significantly greater as life expectancy continues to increase, experts warn.
According to healthcare charity, the Patients Association, life expectancy at age 65 in the UK has reached its highest level ever for both men and women.
Men aged 65 could expect to live a further 16.9 years and women a further 19.7 years if mortality rates remained the same as they were in 2004-06.
Life expectancy at birth is also at its highest level for both males and females. Boys and girls born in the UK could expect on average to live to 76.9 years and 81.3 years of age respectively.
A spokesperson for the Patients Association, said: "The question for the future is what the NHS will cover on the basis of its founding principle of ‘free at the point of need’?
"The need for preventative healthcare will be even greater, and this too needs a higher priority now."
She added that a review of current rules governing social care requires further exploration into the relationship between increased longevity and quality of life.
