By 2024, more than one in four of us will be over 60. Our longer lives are one of society’s greatest achievements. But while many already enjoy a good later life, others risk ill health, poverty and loneliness. At the same time, many in mid-life are struggling to get by and aren’t in a position to think about or plan for later life.
The government has an opportunity to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of an ageing population, to ensure everyone enjoys a good later life. However, doing so will require a whole-of-government approach to create more age-friendly homes, workplaces and communities and opportunities for people to stay healthy, remain independent and contribute throughout their life.
With a concerted effort from government, we believe we can make the UK the best country to grow old in. We want to see the next government implement our three point plan for better later lives:
- Age-friendly places
- Age-friendly economy
- Healthy ageing
Read the Centre for Ageing Better’s General Election 2017 manifesto: Priority actions for better later lives.