Census shows OAPs are now nearly fifth of the population
OLDER people make up the largest age group in England and Wales, with nearly a fifth of the population over 65.
Census figures released yesterday show pensioner numbers at record highs, up 1.9 million in a decade.
They accounted for 18.6 per cent of English and Welsh citizens in 2021, a 2.2 per cent rise on the 16.4 per cent from the 2011 survey.
The overall population of the two nations has now grown to almost 60 million in a decade, up 3.5 million.
However, the figures signal a slowdown in population growth, according to the Office for National Statistics.
At the previous census in 2011, numbers rose 7.8 per cent on the decade before.
The poll was carried out last March against the backdrop of the pandemic. More than 24 million households took part. Scotland’s census was delayed due to Covid.
Women make up 51 per cent of the population, an
increase from 2011 when 50.8 per cent were female.
The South East is still England’s most populous region with 9.3 million inhabitants, while the North East is the least populated at 2.6 million. London saw a 7.7 per cent growth – up from 8.2 to 8.8 million.
Bedford, Cambridge and Peterborough council areas all saw increases in population of over 17 per cent, while 25 areas recorded a fall, with Kensington and Chelsea dropping furthest, down 9.6 per cent from 158,649 to 143,400.
Meanwhile, North Norfolk became the first area with a third of its inhabitants (33.4 per cent) aged 65 or over.
Close behind were Rother, East Sussex, on 32.4 per cent; East Lindsey, Lincs, at 30.4 per cent; and East Devon with 30 per cent.
And 56 areas showed over-65s making up at least a quarter of the population, up from just seven in 2011.
James Andrews, of Money. co.uk, said: “This data shows the challenges facing future governments wishing to retain the triple lock pension while balancing the books.”
Aideen Young, of the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “This census data is a stark reminder that we must act with greater urgency to adapt to England’s ageing population.”
And Age UK boss Caroline Abrahams added: “It is more important than ever that we are geared up as a society to meeting older people’s needs.”