Future of an Ageing Population

Foreword
People in the UK are living longer than ever before - a major achievement of
modern science and healthcare. Older people make up a growing proportion of
the population, and so make an increasing contribution to society. They are our
workers, volunteers, taxpayers and carers.
However, the UK is not making the most of the opportunities afforded by an
ageing population. Too many people are forced out of work in later life by poor
health or unwelcoming attitudes in the workplace. Too few people access the
training they need to adapt to a changing labour market. Too many families
face the choice between working and providing care for a loved one. Too few
homes meet the needs of older people.
The ageing of the population also challenges the UK’s model of service
provision. If an older population means fewer workers at the same time
as greater demand for public services, this raises questions about the
sustainability of the current models of working lives and care provision.
The UK has a choice. Will the growing number of people in later life be
predominantly empowered, skilled, healthy and able to contribute fully to
society? Or will we be increasingly unhealthy, disempowered and dependent?
Answering this challenge cannot be Government’s job alone. Employers will
need to adapt to an ageing workforce. Families and communities have a role
to play in supporting their loved ones to age well. Individuals can, and must
be supported to, make choices which will better prepare them for a happy,
productive and fulfilling later life.
The Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP
P3