Introduction

Older People:Changing demographics of age in the UK

The population of the UK is ageing. Over the last 25 years the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15 per cent in 1983 to 16 per cent in 2008, an increase of 1.5 million people in this age group. Over the same period, the percentage of the population aged 16 and under decreased from 21 per cent to 19 per cent. This trend is projected to continue. By 2033, 23 per cent of the population will be aged 65 and over compared to 18 per cent aged 16 or younger.

The fastest population increase has been in the number of those aged 85 and over, the ’oldest old‘. In 1983, there were just over 600,000 people in the UK aged 85 and over. Since then the numbers have more than doubled reaching 1.3 million in 2008. By 2033 the number of people aged 85 and over is projected to more than double again to reach 3.2 million, and to account for 5 per cent of the total population.

As a result of these increases in the number of older people, the median age of the UK population is increasing. Over the past 25 years the median age increased from 35 years in 1983 to 39 in 2008. It is projected to continue to increase over the next 25 years rising to 40 by 2033.
The Office of National Statistics 2009

Children and young people

For more information please visit the Voscur Children & Young People webpage.

Celebrating Age (October)

Key legislation

The Children Act (1989)
The Children Act (2004) / Every Child Matters
The Equality Act: Age Discrimination Legislation (2006)

For more information see:
Direct Gov
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

Resources

•    Age Concern Bristol
•    Bristol Care and Repair
•    Age Concern England
•    Focus on Older People
•    Older People in the UK Kingdom (Age Concern report)
•    Help the Aged