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Key facts
The UK older population is increasing in size,
and this trend is projected to continue.
- Government projections suggest our total population will increase gradually from an estimated 60.2 million in 2005, to pass 65 million in 2023 and reach 67 million by 2031. Longer term projections estimate that population will continue to grow beyond 2031, but at a much reduced rate.
- Over the same time, the population will gradually become older. In 2004, the median (or most common) age was 38.6 years, while it is estimated that by 2031 it will be 42.9 years.
- In 2004 an estimated 40.31% of the UK population was aged 45 and over. By 2031, it is projected that this age group will make up 47.14% of the UK’s population.
- For more information about population trends
visit the Office for National
Statistics.
Between 2010 and 2020, state pension age will change
from 65 for men and 60 years for women, to 65 years for both sexes.
- Since the 1960s, the participation rate in work
for people aged over 55 (especially among men) has fallen quite
dramatically. For men aged 60-64, the labour force participation
rate has more than halved to around 30%.
- The 'statutory' retirement date is no longer
relevant for many retirement decisions (Pension
incentives and patterns of retirement. Blundell R, 2002).
The General Household Survey and the Health Survey for England both collect information about the health of the general public, but ELSA is the only special survey for older people.
- The likelihood of reporting a chronic medical
condition increases with age, for example, the prevalence of long
standing disabilities or infirmities increased from 14% of those
under 5 to 64% of those aged 75 or over (General Household Survey,
2000).
- For more information about health, see the Health Survey for England or the General
Household Survey.
Other useful links
National Institute on Aging
A component of the USA National Institutes of Health devoted to
improving the health of older people.
Department
for Work and Pensions
This gives government advice on pensions.
National Association of Pension
Funds
The National Association of Pension Funds is the principal UK body
representing the interests of the occupational pensions movement.
Health Survey
for England
The Health Survey for England is a series of annual surveys about
the health of people in England.
Centre for Research on Ageing
and Gender
This research centre considers issues relating to ageing and gender.
Centre for Policy on Ageing
An independent organisation aiming to formulate and promote social
policies which will allow all older people to achieve their full
potential of their later years.
Help the Aged
A UK based charity which provides practical support to help older
people live independent lives.
Research into Ageing (part of Help the Aged)
A national medical research charity dedicated to understanding and
challenging the diseases and disabilities which become more common
in later life.
Age Concern
UK charity providing practical advice and assistance to older people,
and campaigning on their behalf. Provides information and advice,
research, training and grants.
Counsel and Care
Provides direct services to older people that give them the support
needed to make informed choices.
AgeNetUK
AgeNet project functioned from April 1997 to May 2000, aiming to
stimulate multidisciplinary and multisector research partnerships
to benefit health and quality of life for older people
DH National Service Network
For information from the Department of Health older people's services.
British Society for Research on
Ageing
Promotes research to understand the causes and effects of the ageing
process
Disclaimer: NatCen cannot accept responsibility for the content of websites
outside of its domain.
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