In the past 35 years the number of those over 65 grew by 31% and those under 16 fell by 19%. By 2029 nearly 40% of England’s population will be over 50. By 2031 the number of over 75 year-olds in the British population is expected to increase from 4.7 million to 8.2 million. By 2031 the number of over 85 year-olds is expected to be nearly 3 million compared to 1.2 million in 2006. (Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien and Chairman of the Audit Commission Michael O’Higgins, 2008).
In a bid to address the challenges surrounding our ageing population, this month’s Social Lab aims to explore the debate. With policy makers, third sector organisations, service providers and independent people in attendance, we hope to discuss and explore ideas that may start to answer some of the following:
1. How can we help give the ageing population interesting and worthwhile things to keep them physically, mentally and socially active?
2. How can we develop a more positive language about old age and ageing?
3. How can we embed age equality in public and local services?
4. How can we create homes and neighbourhoods that adapt to the challenges of ageing, encourage more peer and intergenerational contact and recast ageing as a time of contribution and opportunity?
We believe that equality and opportunity matter for elderly people too. We hope that some of the discussions can assist to develop and inform new possibilities for relevant stakeholders. We hope that everyone will leave this month’s lab, with tangible actions that together we can all make happen!
The Social Lab takes place on August 14th. If you would like to find out more information or to be involved, please contact cassie.robinson@thesociallab.com.