Britain’s population is ageing. In 2012 the number of people aged 65 and older surpassed 10m for the first time; they now outnumber those aged 16 and under. The over 85 age group is now the fastest growing demographic in the UK, as we all live longer through improvements in our health, diets and preventative care. 

 

Over the next 20 years the age group is set to grow by 106%, to over 2.6m people. This trend will be accelerated over the coming decades by the inevitable retirement of the so-called ‘baby boomer’ generation (born when Britain experienced a markedly higher birth rate between 1946 and 1964).

 

Those born at this time are now beginning to reach retirement age and are set to have a dramatic effect on the people, society, and the economy of the UK. With this dramatic population change comes an increasing demand for specialist dementia and nursing care.

 

There are currently over 800,000 people living with dementia – a figure that will rise to 1m by 2021, and more than double by 2050.

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It's time to think long term.