Lords call for urgent reforms in care of elderly in ageing Britain

The Lords committee on demographic change will today warn that the UK’s over-stretched care system is already failing the elderly, and will get significantly worse unless dramatic action is taken by the Government.

The committee’s new report, published this morning, reveals the number of pensioners across England is expected to rise by 50 per cent between 2010 and 2030, while the number of people over 80 will double – demographic changes which will have “profound effects” on the nation.

It picks out 10 ‘hot-spots’ across the country including Selby, in North Yorkshire, where the number of people aged 65 and over is forecast to rise by 80 per cent over the two decades.

“As a country, we are not ready for the rapid ageing of our population,” committee chairman Lord Filkin said. “The amazing gift of longer life is to be welcomed, but our society and politicians need to address the implications, and the changes needed to attitudes, policies and services so people are best able to benefit from it.”

The cross-party committee calls on Government Ministers to produce a White Paper setting out the full implications of an ageing society, alongside a vision for how elderly people can live well and independently.

“It should set out how our health and social care services, our pension arrangements and our practices must change to achieve this,” Lord Filkin said.

“Health and social care need to be radically reformed – both are failing older people now.

“A big shift in services is essential, so the many more older people with long-term conditions can be well cared for and supported in their own homes.”