Geographic gaps in ageing

Like most countries, the UK is ageing. Over the past five decades, the median age has risen from 34 to 41. This deep demographic trend has all sorts of implications for public policy, not least the need to find greater resources to provide care for a growing elderly population. What is less well appreciated is that this ageing is playing out differently in different parts of the country – both in terms of the age profile of different areas, but also the rate at which places are ageing. This report explores these trends and draws out some implications for local public services.