UPDATE 2019: If you have access to sudo, I’d definitely recommend installing python through system manager and using venv i.e.

# install python3.7 
sudo apt install python3.7-venv python3.7-dev 
# create virtual environment using python3.7 
python3.7 -m venv py37 
# activate environment 
source py37/bin/activate 
# check version 
python --version # python -c 'import sys; print(sys.version_info)' 
# install new package 
pip install numpy 
# leave virtual environment 
deactivate

Some time ago I was recommending to use Python virtual environment to install local version of Python packages. However this will not solve the issue of outdated version Python in the server your are working in. Here, pythonbrew may be help for you.

# install pythonbrew to ~/.pythonbrew
curl -kL http://xrl.us/pythonbrewinstall | bash

# add to ~/.bashrc to automatically activate pythonbrew
[[ -s "$HOME/.pythonbrew/etc/bashrc" ]] && source "$HOME/.pythonbrew/etc/bashrc"                                                         

# open new terminal tab (Ctrl+Shift+T) or window (Ctrl+Shift+N)

# install python 2.7.10
pythonbrew install 2.7.10

# and enable the new version
pythonbrew switch 2.7.10

# from now on, you can enjoy the version of your choice and install dependencies
which python
#/home/.../.pythonbrew/pythons/Python-2.7.10/bin/python
python --version
#Python 2.7.10
which pip
#/home/.../.pythonbrew/pythons/Python-2.7.10/bin/pip