PEOPLE in Toowoomba are living longer with a declining death rate killing the funeral industry.
The region's funeral directors have been forced to adapt as modern medical services and quality of life mean a greater life expectancy.
Hiram Philip funerals manager Philip Shultz said the industry has changed significantly as a result.
"It has been a quieter year for business. However, it always tends to cycle around," he said.
"In saying that though, you need to make a few changes to get through the times.
"We have had to be a bit more frugal on staffing and it is the same among most business in the industry with more hiring casual instead of full time employees."
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows a 15.94 per cent decline in deaths from 2002 to 2012.
In April, 2012, there was an average of 2419 deaths per month.
In April, 2014, there was 1901.
ABS figures also show 65 to 85-year-olds are living longer with this age group having the biggest increase in life expectancy during the past 10 years.
Toowoomba Senior Citizens Club president Jim Nelson said improved health services were helping his generation live happier and healthier for longer.
"In the past, a heart attack could have meant the end. However, today it is more common than not to make a full recovery," Mr Nelson said.
"We have members of our dancing group who are 90 which goes to show age shouldn't hold you back.
"It is really important to enjoy each moment in life and I know everyone in this dancing class has a ball."
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