Older than ever: Ageing population requires change of approach

The number of people aged 65 and over in England and Wales has increased by 1.9 million since 2011, newly released Census data shows. This means that the proportion of people aged 65 and older in the population is 18.6%, the highest ever.

The figures have led to renewed calls from the Centre for Ageing Better for government and communities to do more to adapt to the changing age demographic. Not enough is being done to help people to age well, data shows, with pensioner poverty increasing and health inequalities widening over the last decade.

Polling by Ageing Better earlier this year found across-the-board support for the appointment of an Commissioner for Older People and Ageing, with over two thirds (68%) of all age groups supporting the creation of the independent role which would safeguard and support the rights of older people.

We're also calling for communities to commit to supporting better ageing at a local level by joining the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities. Accredited by the World Health Organisation as exemplars of communities adapting to ageing, with initiatives such as Nottingham’s Take a Seat campaign and Greater Manchester’s Age-friendly Alexandra Park, these communities are leading the way in their approach to accommodating older people.

“This Census data is a fresh wake-up call, a stark reminder that we must act with greater urgency to adapt to our ageing population.

“The observed trends should not be viewed in a negative light, though. If we get things right, ageing can be a positive experience for individuals, and society can reap the rewards.

“We need to future-proof our housing stock so we have homes fit for people to grow old in. We need to change our workplaces so people can continue working for as long as they want and are able to. We need to tackle inequalities which mean more and more people are living their later lives with poor health and in poverty, and we need to tackle the widespread and pervasive ageism that exists throughout society.

“The new Census data makes an even more compelling case for England to have an Older People’s Commissioner, in line with Wales and Northern Ireland, so that we have an independent voice pushing government and society to respond to population ageing in strategic and joined-up way.

“The time to make the changes to transform England into a place where all can anticipate a healthy and rewarding later life is now. Measurable, meaningful difference to older people's lives is achievable long before the next Census.”