Question 1

How many older people are there in the UK?

Accepted Answer

As of mid-2023, the UK population was estimated to be around 68.3 million. Of this, approximately 12.5 million people were aged 65 and over, making up about 18.3% of the total population. This reflects a steady increase in the older population, which was around 11 million in England and Wales alone at the time of the 2021 Census.

The number of people aged 90 and over in the UK was estimated at 611,719 in 2023, a 0.3% increase from the previous year. Among this group, the number of centenarians - those aged 100 and over - was estimated at 16,140, remaining stable compared to 2022.

Looking ahead, the UK's population is projected to grow by 6.6 million over the next 15 years, reaching approximately 73.7 million by mid-2036. Much of this growth is expected to come from the oldest age groups, with the number of people aged 85 and over expected to more than double by 2041.

These trends highlight the ongoing demographic shift towards an older population. For further information and the most up-to-date statistics, visit the Office for National Statistics website.

Question 2

Statistics about older people and aging in the UK

Accepted Answer

Health and life expectancy

While health tends to decline with age, many older adults remain healthy and active well into later life. Between 2021 and 2023, men in England aged 65 could expect to live an additional 10.1 years in good health, while women could expect 11.2 years. These figures have decreased compared to the period 2017 to 2019, reflecting broader trends in health outcomes. (Office for National Statistics)

Long-term illness and disability

A significant proportion of older people live with limiting long-term illnesses or disabilities. As of 2023, around 4 million individuals aged 65 and over are affected, and this number is projected to rise to over 6 million by 2030. (Office for National Statistics)

Dementia prevalence

Currently, approximately 982,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, with the majority being aged 65 and over. This number is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2040. (Alzheimer's Society)

Loneliness and mental wellbeing

Loneliness remains a concern among older adults. A 2024 Age UK report found that 7% of people aged 65 and over in the UK often or always feel lonely, equating to around 930,000 individuals. Additionally, 270,000 older people in England go a week without speaking to a friend or family member. (Age UK)

Contribution through volunteering

Older adults contribute significantly to society through volunteering. In 2016, the Royal Voluntary Service reported that 46% of people aged 55 to 74 were volunteers, amounting to 6.2 million individuals and 1.4 billion hours of volunteer time annually. (Age UK)

Living arrangements

The majority of older people live independently in their own homes. As of 2021, there were 278,946 individuals aged 65 and over living in care homes in England and Wales, representing 82.1% of all care home residents. This accounts for approximately 4% of the total population aged 65 and over, increasing to 15% among those aged 85 and over. (Office for National Statistics)

Question 3

Characteristics of the older population in the UK

Accepted Answer

The older population in the UK is diverse, with variations in marital status, living arrangements, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, health, disability, and caregiving roles. These characteristics have evolved over time, reflecting broader societal changes.

Marital status and living arrangements

In 2021, 58.3% of individuals aged 65 and over in England and Wales were married or in a civil partnership. The proportion of older adults living alone was 30.1%, with 36.3% of women and 22.7% of men in this age group living alone. These figures indicate a slight decrease for women and a slight increase for men compared to 2011. (Office for National Statistics)

Ethnicity and religion

The ethnic diversity among those aged 65 and over has increased. In 2021, 93.6% identified as White, down from 95.5% in 2011. The proportions identifying as Asian, Black, Mixed, or Other ethnic groups have all seen increases. Regarding religion, while Christianity remains predominant, the proportion of older adults with no religious affiliation has doubled since 2011, reaching 17.5% in 2021. (Office for National Statistics)

Sexual orientation and gender identity

In 2021, 1.1% of people aged 65 and over in England and Wales identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other (LGB+), and 0.3% identified as transgender. These figures highlight the presence of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities within the older population.

Health and disability

Health outcomes vary among older adults. In 2021, 53.4% of individuals aged 65 and over reported their general health as very good or good, while 46.6% reported it as fair, bad, or very bad. Additionally, 45.4% had a long-term health problem or disability that limited their day-to-day activities. (Office for National Statistics)

Unpaid carers

Unpaid caregiving is a significant role undertaken by many older adults. In 2021, nearly 1.2 million people aged 65 and over in England and Wales provided unpaid care, accounting for just over 10% of the older population. Of these caregivers, almost half provided more than 50 hours of care per week.

Question 4

Challenges and opportunities for the older population in the UK

Accepted Answer

The ageing of the UK population presents both significant challenges and valuable opportunities for society, the economy, and public services.

Challenges

Social care system under pressure

The social care system in England is underfunded and overstretched. As of 2024, Age UK estimates that 2 million people aged 65 and over have unmet needs for care and support. Despite the growing demand, fewer older people are receiving local authority long-term care compared to previous years. (Age UK)

Health inequalities

Older adults are increasingly experiencing multiple long-term health conditions. By 2035, it is projected that 67.8% of people over 65 will have multimorbidity. Frailty also affects a significant portion of the older population, with more than half of those aged over 85 experiencing moderate or severe frailty.

Economic insecurity

Financial insecurity is a growing concern among older adults. In 2025, one in three pensioners, equivalent to 4.1 million individuals, reported feeling less financially secure than the previous year. Rising energy prices and the cost of living have exacerbated these challenges, particularly for older renters and those on low incomes. (Age UK)

Digital exclusion and ageism

Many older adults face digital exclusion, limiting their access to essential services and information. Additionally, pervasive ageism in the workplace, media, and public services contributes to the marginalisation of older individuals. A 2025 report by the Women and Equalities Committee highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat age discrimination.

Opportunities

Continued economic contribution

Advancements in health and longevity mean that older adults can remain active contributors to the workforce. The International Monetary Fund reported that individuals aged 70 in 2022 had cognitive abilities comparable to 53-year-olds in 2000. In the UK, nearly 10% of people aged 66 and older are still working, up from 8.7% a decade ago. (The Independent)

Innovative age-friendly communities

Manchester is pioneering the development of age-friendly neighbourhoods. A £1.5 billion project aims to transform the North Manchester General Hospital site into a community designed to support healthy ageing, featuring adaptable homes, inclusive transport, and social initiatives to reduce isolation. (The Guardian)

Policy initiatives and public engagement

There is growing recognition of the need to address the challenges of an ageing population. Policy initiatives focusing on improving healthcare access, social care funding, and combating ageism are essential. Engaging older adults in the development of these policies ensures that their diverse needs and preferences are considered.

These insights highlight the importance of proactive measures to support the ageing population, ensuring that older adults can lead fulfilling, healthy, and active lives.

Question 5

How MHA supports older people to live later life well

Accepted Answer

Our story began in 1943 when compassionate members of the Methodist Church came together to establish our mission. Today, we proudly serve and support*:

4,310 older people living in our care homes, where we offer specialised dementia or nursing care to ensure their wellbeing
2,273 older people living independently in our retirement living communities, enjoying access to various social and leisure facilities, with the added comfort of flexible care when needed
10,981 older people living independently in their own homes, empowered by our community groups - that span across England and Wales - and our national befriending service.

Our services are provided thanks to 6,500 dedicated staff and supported by more than 3,000 volunteers.

MHA Communities members are the most diverse group of older people we serve, as many join the groups as volunteers and then gradually begin to receive services as they age. Just over three-quarters of members are female, just over half live alone. Their ages range from 50 to 104, with the average age being 80.

Our retirement living residents are slightly older: their average age is 82 and half are aged over 85. Just over two-thirds are female, and 30% live with a partner, relative or friend.

Just over a quarter of our care home residents are male, and this proportion is increasing annually. They are the oldest group we serve: their average age is 87, and two-thirds are aged over 85. In a recent survey, 93% said they were satisfied overall with the service provided by MHA..

*Figures accurate as of 31 March 2024.

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