THE good news is that we are all going to live much longer.

Almost one in five of the current population will reach their centenary.

That’s 10 million people, or 17 per cent of the population.

The Department of Works and Pensions say there are 11,800 people in the United Kingdom over 100 years of age. But by the year 2066, there will be 507,000.

The bad news is, say the Government, pensions and the NHS will not be able to cope without massive reform.

Dr Ros Altman, director general of the Saga Group, said pensions was not the only aspect of longer life that needed to considered.

“Saving more and having a good pension is one thing, but there are also opportunities for us to keep working longer,” she said. “But not necessarily full time.”

People in their 60s should not simply give up work in the future.

They should consider a new part-time career move, working perhaps three days a week and having four days off.

“But still earning some money, because at the end of the day, the state pension is not going to give you a decent lifestyle.”

Which sounds good. But I wonder how feasible that will be in 2066, with a younger generation expanding the workforce and the official retirement age raised to 75.

“Hey Fred, did you hear? Our Elsie has a job two days a week as a pole dancer?”

“You want to be careful, Bert. Some of those Poles are good looking blokes. What did they offer you?”

“I didn’t fancy being a Happy Greeter so I’ve decided to be a brain surgeon three days a week. How about you?”

“You know at school I was always into nostalgia, even though you said there was no future in it?

“Well, I’ve decided to be Elvis Presley two days a week and Cliff Richard one day a week.”

“You can’t do that. Cliff's still doing it.”