the percapita expenditure is projected according to specific assumptions and then multiplied by the groupspecific population in the projection year however the average cost per individual in older age groups should fall over time for two reasons longevity gains are assumed to translate into additional years of good health healthy ageing and major health costs come at the end of life this is generally due to the effect of technology and relativeprice movements in the supply of health services this effect is mitigated somewhat by declines in the share of dependents per older age group as longevity increases due to healthy ageing