SCOTLAND is failing to “future-proof” for a rapidly ageing population, a charity has warned.
Age Scotland has called for a national conversation on the challenges posed by the demographic shift, including the implications for housing, health, pensions and employment.
A report from the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) shows the population is ageing at a faster rate in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK while the population is growing at a slower rate and fertility, life expectancy at birth and net in-migration are all lower.
All council areas are expected to experience an increase in the proportion of population aged 75 and over between 2012 and 2022, but rural areas are most affected, at 50 per cent in the Orkney Islands and West Lothian compared to less than 10 per cent in Glasgow and Dundee.
SSAC warned that rises in the state pension age could “disproportionately” impact Scotland, resulting in a deprived population of people in their 60s who are not able to work but too young to access their pension.
Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland said more needed to be done to address the needs of older people.
He said: “It’s good news that people are living longer but we’re concerned that Scotland is failing to plan ahead to future-proof its housing stock and workplaces, and tackle health inequalities.
“Too many older people are already stuck living in unsuitable accommodation and unable to move or downsize if they wish.
“We need to build more affordable, adaptable homes so that people are able to continue living independently in their communities.
“More of us are working longer, but many still face age discrimination and find their experience is not valued.
Sloan continued: We would like to see the Scottish Government and employers committing to an age-inclusive workplace strategy. This would include investing in training and providing flexible working options to reflect people’s health and caring responsibilities.
“We also need to plan now to meet the health needs of this growing older population. For example, the number of Scots living with dementia will rise by 50 per cent to more than 120,000 in the next two decades.
“Local authorities are already struggling to meet their commitments to health and social care, and more investment is clearly needed.”
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