Longevity Calculator UK
Disclaimer
The UK Longevity Calculator is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, or medical advice. The estimates generated by this tool are based on various assumptions and statistical models, which may not accurately reflect individual circumstances or future outcomes. Users should not rely solely on the results provided when making any significant decisions regarding their longevity, health, or financial planning.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, no guarantee is made as to its completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. We expressly disclaim any liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from the use of, or reliance on, the calculator or its results.
For personalised advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult with a qualified professional. By using this calculator, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this disclaimer.
UK Longevity Calculator
Please answer the following questions to estimate your life expectancy.
About the UK Longevity Calculator Quiz
Baseline Life Expectancy
The quiz starts with baseline values of 81 years for males and 83 years for females. These figures roughly align with recent UK statistics on life expectancy. In practice, official figures are derived from detailed mortality tables and can vary slightly by region, cohort, and over time.Smoking Status
The calculator deducts 10 years for current smokers and 5 years for former smokers. Extensive epidemiological research consistently shows that smoking significantly reduces life expectancy. Long‐term studies have indicated that current smokers can lose around 10 years of life compared to non‐smokers, while quitting can mitigate (though not completely erase) this risk.Alcohol Consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption is assigned a 5-year penalty. Research has demonstrated that excessive drinking increases the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers, all of which can contribute to a reduced lifespan.Diet Quality
A poor diet results in a deduction of 5 years, whereas a healthy diet adds 5 years. Dietary patterns are closely linked with chronic disease risk. For instance, diets high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (such as the Mediterranean diet) are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and longer life expectancy.Exercise Level
Sedentary behaviour subtracts 5 years, while an active lifestyle adds 5 years. Physical activity is widely recognised for its role in reducing the risk of chronic conditions (like heart disease and diabetes) and for its overall contribution to longevity.BMI Category
Being underweight, overweight, or obese is penalised to varying degrees. There is a well-established association between abnormal body mass index (BMI) and increased mortality. While “under” and “over” are assigned a 2-year deduction each, obesity—typically associated with more severe health risks—is assigned a 5-year deduction.Chronic Conditions
Reporting any major chronic condition leads to a 10-year deduction. Chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer are major determinants of life expectancy, although the actual impact depends on the type and severity of the condition.Stress Levels
High stress results in a 5-year reduction, while low stress adds 5 years. Chronic stress has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including hypertension and impaired immune function, which can affect longevity.Relationship Status (Marital/Partnered)
Being married or partnered adds 5 years. Social support and strong personal relationships have been repeatedly associated with better health outcomes and longer life expectancy in epidemiological studies.Education
Higher education is given a 5-year bonus. Education is a recognised social determinant of health, with higher educational attainment generally linked to better health literacy, improved economic opportunities, and, as a result, longer life expectancy.
Sources used for the UK Longevity Calculator
Baseline Life Expectancy
The quiz starts with baseline values of 81 years for males and 83 years for females. These figures roughly align with recent UK statistics on life expectancy. In practice, official figures are derived from detailed mortality tables and can vary slightly by region, cohort, and over time.
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies
Smoking Status
The calculator deducts 10 years for current smokers and 5 years for former smokers. Extensive epidemiological research consistently shows that smoking significantly reduces life expectancy. Long‐term studies have indicated that current smokers can lose around 10 years of life compared to non‐smokers, while quitting can mitigate (though not completely erase) this risk.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1745289/
Alcohol Consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption is assigned a 5-year penalty. Research has demonstrated that excessive drinking increases the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers, all of which can contribute to a reduced lifespan.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639
Diet Quality
A poor diet results in a deduction of 5 years, whereas a healthy diet adds 5 years. Dietary patterns are closely linked with chronic disease risk. For instance, diets high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (such as the Mediterranean diet) are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and longer life expectancy.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1800389
Exercise Level
Sedentary behaviour subtracts 5 years, while an active lifestyle adds 5 years. Physical activity is widely recognised for its role in reducing the risk of chronic conditions (like heart disease and diabetes) and for its overall contribution to longevity.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)61031-9/fulltext
BMI Category
Being underweight, overweight, or obese is penalised to varying degrees. There is a well-established association between abnormal body mass index (BMI) and increased mortality. While “under” and “over” are assigned a 2-year deduction each, obesity—typically associated with more severe health risks—is assigned a 5-year deduction.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)30175-1/fulltext
Chronic Conditions
Reporting any major chronic condition leads to a 10-year deduction. Chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer are major determinants of life expectancy, although the actual impact depends on the type and severity of the condition.
Stress Levels
High stress results in a 5-year reduction, while low stress adds 5 years. Chronic stress has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including hypertension and impaired immune function, which can affect longevity.
https://www.pnas.org/content/104/49/19119
Relationship Status (Marital/Partnered)
Being married or partnered adds 5 years. Social support and strong personal relationships have been repeatedly associated with better health outcomes and longer life expectancy in epidemiological studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18198685/
Education
Higher education is given a 5-year bonus. Education is a recognised social determinant of health, with higher educational attainment generally linked to better health literacy, improved economic opportunities, and, as a result, longer life expectancy.