There were 20.0 million people aged 50 and over in the UK in 2003. This was a 45 per cent increase over five decades, from 13.8 million in 1951. The number is projected to increase by a further 36 per cent by 2031, when there will be 27.2 million people aged 50 and over.
Over the last 50 years there has also been a substantial change in the age composition of older people. In 1951, those aged 50-59 represented 43.0 per cent, and those aged 85 and over made up just 1.6 per cent of the 50 and over population. In 2003 the two age groups represented 37.8 per cent and 5.5 cent respectively of the older population. Projections indicate these proportions will be respectively 28.6 and 7.9 per cent by 2031.
Projections for 2031 indicate a more rapid ageing of the population over the next 30 years. People aged 85 and over will then comprise 3.8 per cent of the UK population. Population ageing is primarily the result of sustained low fertility (a low number of births). Falling fertility leads to fewer young people in the population and hence a rise in the proportion of older people. Declines in mortality are also an important factor. In particular, falls in the death rates at older ages have contributed to the increase in the number of older people.
Older women outnumber older men, as death rates are higher among men than among women. The improvement in death rates among older men has led to a narrowing of the gap. There were 77 men in the UK aged 50 and over for every 100 women of the same age group in 1951. The sex ratio increased to 85 men per 100 women in 2003. Projections indicate that the sex ratio will further increase by 2031, when there are expected to be 90 men per 100 women over age 50.
The greater number of women than men is most pronounced among the very old, as women tend to live longer than men. The death of men in the World Wars has also had an impact. In 2003 there were 40 men per 100 women for those aged 85 and over. This compares with 45 men per 100 women in 1951, but is projected to rise to 65 per 100 by 2031.
Age distribution: by ethnic group, April 2001, GB
A very small proportion of older people in Great Britain (4 per cent) are from non-White ethnic minority groups. In 2001, 15 per cent of people from non-White ethnic minority groups were aged 50 and over (around 672,000 people). This compares with 33 per cent of the overall population.
The White Irish group had the oldest age structure in 2001, with one in four aged 65 and over. Among the non-White group, Black Caribbeans had the largest proportion aged 65 and over at 11 per cent, while the Mixed group had the youngest age structure – half were aged under 16 and just 4 per cent were aged 65 and over.
Sources: Population estimates, Office for National Statistics Population projections, Government Actuary's Department Census 2001, Office for National Statistics Census 2001, General Register Office for Scotland
Notes: Unless otherwise stated older people refers to those aged 50 years and over.
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