Well-being in later life

National report

Don't stop me now - Preparing for an ageing population, finds that councils in England, particularly those which have the fastest ageing populations, are not ready to meet the needs of older residents, who will make up more than a third of the population by 2009. Most council services focus on the minority who require social care, excluding the invisible majority who may end up isolated and vulnerable if ignored.

The report also looks at the government’s 2005 strategy for older people, Opportunity Age, and finds that although it has the potential to improve the lives of an ageing population, so far it hasn’t delivered those benefits to older people across the country.

Interactive maps to demonstrate England’s ageing population

It is a fact that England is getting older, with over-50s projected to make up a third of the population by 2009. However, the impact of this demographic change will be different depending on where in the country you live. For example, coastal and rural areas already have a high proportion of older people and this is likely to increase over time, whereas cities are traditionally home to a younger population.

The maps below will help councils identify the demographic changes they can expect in their area in the future.

England's ageing population from 2004 to 2029

Projected increase in 50 or over population by area between 2009 and 2019

Mystery shopper survey methodology

Download the Mystery shopper presentation (PowerPoint, 138Kb)