HOW TO SURVIVE THE 21ST CENTURY

n In 1961, life expectancy was 67.8 years for men and 73.6 for women; in 1992, 73.6 for men, 79 for women. In 2021, it is expected to be 77.6 for men, 82.6 for women.

n In 1972, 52 per cent of adult males and 41 per cent of adult females smoked; in 1992, 29 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.

n In 1991-2, 53 per cent of men and 41 per cent of women were overweight or obese.

n In 1974, 15 per cent of the population described themselves as suffering from chronic sickness. In 1993, 20 per cent did so.

n In 1971, just over 2 million people in the UK were covered by private medical insurance. In 1993, there were 6.8 million.

n According to the Department of Health, real expenditure on the NHS increased from the equivalent of £23.5 billion in 1976-77 to £39.3 billion in 1994-95.