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Spotlight on older people in the UK

In 2007, the population of people of state pensionable age exceeded the number of children. This was the first year in the country’s history that this had happened.

The Office for National Statistics predicts that the population of the United Kingdom will rise from about 60 million to 70 million by 2031.

By 2081 the estimated rise will hit 85 million and the largest proportion of that increase is amongst the oldest age groups.

This rise in numbers is most marked amongst the oldest old. The number of people over 85 in the UK is predicted to double in the next 20 years and treble in the next 30.

The Help the Aged Spotlight Report 2008 draws attention to these figures and the issues faced by vulnerable older people living in the UK today. 
 
The report is based on the five themes identified as key objectives by Help the Aged: 

• combating poverty
• reducing isolation
• challenging neglect
• defeating ageism
• preventing future deprivation

Each section is illustrated by a number of statistical indicators based on the latest figures available, a commentary on the issues raised and quotes from older people themselves.

In the centre pages of the report, we focus the spotlight on a key theme. This year's theme is dignity.

Key findings from Spotlight 2008

• One in four older people in the UK have become so worried about the future that they are making themselves ill
• 11 per cent of pensioners in the UK are living in severe poverty, 21 per cent are in poverty and 15 per cent are living in persistent poverty
• 9 per cent of people over 65 feel their general quality of life has improved in the last year while 20 per cent say it has worsened
• 29 per cent of older people - equivalent to 2.8 million people – agreed that health professionals tend to treat older people as a nuisance 
• 23 per cent of people aged 65 and over in the UK avoid heating their bedroom, bathroom or living room because they are worried about the cost

Find the Spotlight Report 2008 on the main Help the Aged website in publications.