31 January 2018 - Lately we've both been enjoying ITV's drama Victoria. By all accounts Queen Victoria lived well, dying at the age of 81 in 1901. 

A girl born in Australia in Victoria's reign could expect to live to 51. A girl born in Australia today has a life expectancy approaching 85. That's right: the modern plebeian can expect to live longer than yesterday's queen.

Much of that progress can be attributed to public health interventions: vaccination, flush toilets, better nutrition. But those interventions only take progress so far before we confront the reality of our longer, more comfortable lives: chronic disease. In the 21st century, we'll go beyond, to live healthier, for longer – if we harness the power of two great revolutions.

Read Sydney Morning Herald article