ONS reports that there are more pensioners in Britain than under 16s for the first time
Wellbeing in association with an aging population is one of Sciencewise-ERCs identified priority areas for future projects. Recently the Office for National Statistics revealed that for the first time in history Britain has more pensioners than children under 16. More people are living longer as medical advances continue to reduce the annual number of deaths, which fell to 571,000 last year from 599,000 in 2001. Interestingly the over -80s is the fastest growing age group, they now account for over 5% of the population.
This rapidily changing age structure of the population calls for changes in the health and social care. It is estimated that in 20 years' time 2 million more people will need help with their daily activities like dressing, washing, shopping and eating. Gordon Lishman, of Age Concern, pointed out that not only was the average Briton getting older, but also faced longer periods of ill health in later life. "The government must face up to the reality of an ageing population and make a firm commitment to improve health services, like mental health and foot care, which enable people to stay healthy and independent for longer."
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Ageing Britain: Pensioners outnumber under-16s for first time
Over -60s outnumber children in UK
Posted on 21/08/2008 by Sciencewise-ERC
