Projections for our region suggest that there will be over one million pensioners by 2011, and 1.14 million by 2021. This demographic change will play out differently across the region with a disproportionate increase in the older population in rural parts of the region in the north and east.

The changing make up of our population presents opportunities and challenges for policy makers. For this reason, Yorkshire Futures commissioned Experian to undertake a study to collate and build on existing research into the older population in our region and identify strategic priorities for the future.

Older people make a major economic contribution to the region. They form a significant proportion of our workforce, and frequently make contributions through caring for others and volunteering. Older people’s skills and entrepreneurial abilities present an opportunity that the region needs to exploit more fully. The region’s businesses also have an opportunity to gain from growing markets serving older consumers and to build on regional strengths in healthcare services and technology.

However, an ageing population also brings with it challenges, particularly in terms of meeting housing demands and increased needs for social care and health services. Services will need to reflect the growing diversity of the older population and an uneven spatial distribution
of older people, particularly the poorest.

Experian’s report identifies six strategic priorities:

• Enhancing participation in employment among older people
• Investing in preventative services
• Encouraging active retirement
• Enhancing the region’s housing stock to meet the needs of older people
• Ensuring services are tailored to the needs of a range of different older groups
• Exploiting market opportunities emerging from an ageing population

The study recognises that much has already been done in the region to address these issues, but more could be done to raise awareness of the good practice already in place. The voluntary and community sector play a key role in delivery in this area, and resources currently limit capacity and longer term sustainability of this increasingly important work.

Download a copy of the full report, Insights summary or Citizens Panel Findings below.

Age Matters: realising  the potential of an ageing population report

Age Matters - Insights summary

Age Matters: Citizens Panel Findings