• The UK’s population is ageing. In the last thirty-five years, the population aged over 65 grew by 31 per cent, from 7.4 to 9.7 million, whilst the population aged under 16 declined by 19 per cent, from 14.2 to 11.5 million

• The largest percentage growth in population in the year to mid-2006 was at ages 85 and over (5.9 per cent). The number of people aged 85 and over grew by 69,000 in the year to 2006, reaching a record 1.2 million. This large increase reflects improving survival and the post World War One baby boomers now reaching this age group.

• The percentage of people under age 16 fell from 26 per cent in mid-1971 to 19 per cent in mid-2006. Over the same period, the percentage aged 65 and over increased from 13 per cent to 16 per cent.

• The proportion of people aged over 65 is projected to increase from 16 per cent in 2004 to 23 per cent by 2031.

This ‘Age Shift’ has major economic and social implications for policy-makers, service providers, and commercial organisations for:

employment	pensions
investment	health and social care
transport	housing
town planning	education
leisure	retail services
advertising and marketing