Growing older in the UK: a series of briefings on ageing and health

We explore a range of topics relevant to supporting and improving people’s health and wellbeing as they grow older in the UK.

What you will get from the briefings

Recommendations and actions for policymakers and doctors to take to support the process of healthy ageing.
An exploration of how health and social care may be developed to meet the needs of older people in the UK.
A look at the impact of long-term conditions, mental health and age stereotype on the treatment of older people.

By 2040 nearly one in four people will be aged 65 or over.
850,000 people were estimated to be living with dementia in the UK by 2015. Services have been criticised for failing to keep pace with referral numbers and a lack of post-diagnostic support.
Many of the social determinants that influence the health and wellbeing of older people in later life are amenable to change.
Demographic changes have resulted in greater number of older people living longer with more disability and often with two or more long term conditions.
Health care professionals and organisations should be aware that older individuals are potentially vulnerable to age prejudice and stereotyping processes.