Ageing society
The older population in England is getting larger. In the last 40 years, the number of people aged 50 and over has increased by over 6.8 million (a 47% increase), and the number aged 65 and over has increased by over 3.5 million (a 52% increase). The older population is growing fastest in many rural and coastal areas, where the proportion of older people is already higher.
Older people have never been a homogenous group – and this is the case now more than ever. Increased diversity in later life has the potential to enrich our communities and workplaces. However, as the older population becomes more diverse, it is likely that inequality will increase too. Discrimination and structural inequality accumulate throughout people’s lives, meaning that gaps in wealth and health are greatest in later life.
This is why we're calling for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing for England to give a voice to the many older people who are currently marginalised, so that their diverse experiences and the issues that matter to them are represented in policymaking. Once appointed, a Commissioner should work with the government to develop an ageing society strategy.
You can find more detail about our ageing population in the 'Our Ageing Population' chapter of our State of Ageing report.
Ageing well
We are working to drive the changes that are needed to respond to this shifting age demographic. These require new approaches across society and for us all to think, feel and act differently about ageing by creating an Age-friendly Movement.
Research on Ageing
This year’s State of Ageing paints the most detailed picture yet of the older population in England, using data from a variety of sources, including Census 2021. We have also spoken to older people about their lives and seen our analysis of the data reflected in their experiences of ageing.
Th summary report and accompanying chapters shine a light on the growth in size and diversity of older age groups and the many ways in which the older population are changing. It highlights stark inequalities, and the need for urgent action to stop them growing rapidly over the coming decades. Such action would enable millions more of us to age well – rather than facing a retirement of financial insecurity and poor health.
