West Dunbartonshire has seen a 14 percent increase in the number of elderly people aged over 65 in the past 10 years, with Age Scotland criticising the Scottish Government for not taking enough action to prepare for the rise.
The Mid-2021 Population Estimates Scotland report by National Records Scotland has found that Scotland’s elderly population is on the rise, with the national average sitting at 20 percent over the past 10 years.
West Dunbartonshire is one of the areas which falls below the national average but still has seen a rise, despite experiencing a population decrease over the last year.
Age Scotland’s head of policy, Adam Stachura has slammed the Scottish Government for not doing enough to address the housing, health, financial, and employment needs of older people in response to this demographic shift.
He said: “Scotland just isn’t planning effectively or quickly enough for a rapidly ageing population, despite these repeated indicators and well-established population trend.
“The aftermath of the pandemic combined with the current cost of living crisis has brought into sharp focus the challenges facing older people today, and in the future, really demonstrating that much more national action is needed.
“The Scottish Government should develop a joined-up strategy to support an ageing population as a matter of priority.
“Older people make a gigantic contribution to our society and economy but are desperately underappreciated. Our research has highlighted that only a fifth of over 50s in Scotland feel that they are valued by society.
“Today’s figures highlight that there is no time to lose in preparing to meet the needs of an ageing population and ensuring everyone can live well in later life.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson responded: “Growing older should not mean having to face barriers or discrimination.
“Older people in our society have much to offer and contribute, and we are committed to supporting them through the actions in our Fairer Scotland for Older People Framework.
“We are also working with the Social Isolation and Loneliness Advisory Group, including representatives of Age Scotland, in developing our five-year plan to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
“We recognise the importance of an effective, joined-up approach to healthy ageing, and we recently consulted on a new Health and Social Care Strategy for Older People.
“We have committed to increasing social care funding by £800million by the end of the current parliament, and the introduction of National Care Service for Scotland will end the postcode lottery of care, ensuring consistently high standards right across the country.
“We are also investing in innovative services, which can provide more care at home or in a homely setting.”
