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Brits may have to wait longer to access the state pension, according to research. New data suggests people may have to work longer, despite a decline in the nation's healthy life expectancy. The number of years people can expect to live in good health has fallen by around two years over the past decade, to just under 61.

The Health Foundation, using figures from the Office for National Statistics, revealed that in 90% of UK areas, healthy life expectancy is below the state pension age, highlighting the severity of the issue. The data also unveils a divide between areas, where in the most deprived regions, men are likely to have 49.8 years of good health, while women average 48.2 years.

Those in the least deprived areas enjoy far better prospects, with men reaching 69.2 years and women 68.5 years of healthy life expectancy.

The Government has already committed to raising the state pension age to 67 by 2028, with a further increase to 68 set for 2046. However, there remains a strong possibility that the increase to 68 could be brought forward.

This makes the recent findings extremely concerning, as it highlights the gap between when people's health declines and when they can access their state pension, which increases the risk of a financial shortfall for many.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell, warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate further, reports GB news.

Ms Coles said: "The problem is likely to get worse. Healthy life expectancy has fallen by two years in a decade, so if the trend continues, more people will face a shortfall.

"At the same time, the state pension is rising. There are already plans in place to increase the state pension age to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046, but there's every chance the path to 68 will be accelerated at some stage.

"When you're planning an income after finishing work, there's every chance you're factoring the state pension into the figures. It means it's important to consider how you would cover any period before it was due."

According to Ms Coles, those looking to close the potential gap should review their private pension arrangements. She highlighted that starting this planning process sooner rather than later allows more time to address any retirement shortfalls.