Demographic futures

With constant discussion of how the UK population is ageing, many people have come to see older people as a burden on society. It is often assumed that the main option available to combat increasing pension and NHS costs is to raise the state pension age.

In this report, Pat Thane FBA argues that there are alternatives available, which are informed by a better understanding of the older demographic. Through summarising the relevant evidence around such factors as life expectancy, fertility, migration and older people’s activity, this report demonstrates not only the huge diversity in terms of health and lifestyle that exists amongst those over 60, but also the many kinds of contributions this age group are making to society.