NEARLY in five Brits will have at least one major illness by 2040, experts say.
The number being treated for long-term conditions in England is projected to rise from 6.7million in 2019 to 9.1m.
GettyLong-term obesity raises the risk of serious disease in later life[/caption]
The Health Foundation think-tank said longer life expectancy, surging obesity rates and mental health woes will pile pressure on the NHS.
Experts said it is “a nice problem to have” that more of us will make it to a ripe old age.
But they warned we must try to live more healthily and the NHS must improve to prepare for the task.
Numbers of patients with cancer, diabetes, chronic pain and kidney disease are expected to rise by a third.
Eight in 10 new cases will be among over-70s, with the elderly population bigger than ever as millions more live into their 80s and 90s thanks to modern medicine.
Report author Toby Watt said: “2.5million more people does feel like a large increase but it’s over the course of two decades.
“So it’s actually one to two per cent on an annual change basis, which is much more manageable.
“Managing these pressures is achievable with careful planning, investment and changes in how care is delivered.”
The report said the number of working taxpayers will only rise by four per cent while the number needing NHS help will surge 37 per cent.
Part of the reason for a rise in sickness will be millions finally developing disease after decades of being obese.
Diabetes could rise by 49 per cent to affect more than 5.5m people, while heart failure could nearly double to more than 2m.
The Royal College of Nursing said the figures should be a “wake-up call” to the Government, adding: “The NHS is in no way prepared.”
But it will not all be bad news, as the build-up in older age groups means Brits enjoy longer lives.
The Health Foundation’s Elaine Kelly said: “It’s important to remember this is also a good thing.
“Most people will enjoy those extra years so it’s a nice problem to have.
“It’s better than the reverse where we can’t keep people alive when they have major illness.”