Public servants live longer than average

Public servants live longer than other workers, new research shows.

On average, male workers in Australia's public sector live to 88 - four years longer than the general male population.

Female public servants also live four years longer to 91.

The research, by financial services giant Mercer, could have impacts for superannuation funds and government policy.

"Living well beyond the average changes the goal posts for retirement planning, it obviously means you need to save more, maybe work for longer, and think more about healthcare and aged care," Mercer partner Mr Richard Boyfield said.