Similarly, looking on the bright side can also improve health. Specifically, for dietary practices, limited access to vegetables and fruits especially in some rural areas, the limited varieties grown and fruits and vegetables being seasonal–harder to find during the dry season–were barriers. The population in question can be as small as a handful of people or as large as all the inhabitants of several continents .
Once they reach the age of 65, in 2012 to 2014, males could expect to live an additional 18.8 years and females an additional 21.2 years. Average life expectancy has increased steadily in England in recent decades . Less than a century ago, deaths from infectious diseases were common and often death would follow a relatively short period of illness. However, chronic non-communicable diseases are now the leading causes of death and long periods of moderate and severe ill health often precede death.