Older people: introduction

[Older people are defined variously as over 60 or 65 years of age]

Ageing population

The dependency ratio - the ratio of people not of working age (those under 16 years of age and those over pensionable age combined) to those of working age – is projected to increase from 60 per 100 to 68 per 100 by 2033 (Demographic Change in Scotland). This is because population growth in Scotland is slowing and the number of older people is growing (National Records for Scotland population projections)* - we are projected to have 50% more people over 60 years of age  by 2033 (Demographic Change in Scotland). 

This demographic change is likely to have different impacts across Scotland - currently, the dependency ratio ranges from 41% in Glasgow City to over 72% in Dumfries & Galloway, Na h-Eileanan Siar and the Western Isles (statistics.gov.scot).

Pension age

The pension age has changed a number of times since 1953; for both men and women the pension age will increase to 67 for those born between 1961 – 1977 and to 68 for those born after 1978. Existing health inequalities mean some population groups are less likely to still be in good health in the later stages of their working life than others.

Impact of an aging population

With an ageing population there is likely to be a decline in the proportion of the population who are in good health (see our Clinical conditions and age in Scotland page). Although healthy life expectancy increased for both males and females between 1980 and 2008 (see our Healthy life expectancy: Scotland page), further improvements in Scotland and other nations have not been seen in recent years (NRS).

Unpaid carers

The ageing population means more people are living longer with long-term limiting illness and need to be cared for. By 2037 the number of unpaid carers in Scotland will have increased to around 1 million (see Carers Scotland).

Older people are more likely to be carers themselves, often caring for partners, younger family members or, in some cases, their parents, which has an impact on their own health and wellbeing.

Mobility

Older people may have mobility issues related to physical frailty (including from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis), sight loss, loss of a partner who can drive, or lack of access to a car.  The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) works to provide advice on the planning and regulation of transport facilities to ensure that they are accessible for those with a mobility problem.

Finance

Those over 60 years of age are more likely to be managing well financially compared to younger adults (Scottish Household Survey, 2019), although 12% of pensioners were in persistent poverty (after housing costs).

For some older people, there may be costs incurred to enable people to live independently into old age.