Medical and public health developments

• Once past infancy, in which they are now protected from most infectious diseases, individuals are less vulnerable, increasing chances of a long life.
• Public health advances during and since the nineteenth century, such as efficient sewage and water systems and the Clean Air Acts, have reduced the incidence of disease.
• Houses are less damp and public buildings and workplaces are inspected for health and safety.
• Dangerous and exhausting jobs such as mining and dock work have declined.
• There are numerous treatments and operations that lengthen the healthy lives of older people, such as bypass operations and hip replacements.
• • Antibiotics and screening programmes for various cancers can tackle diseases at an early stage.
• • People are better informed about health, diet and exercise.