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.
