Scotland is gradually getting older. According to the National Records of Scotland, the number of people over 65 is projected to grow by nearly a third by mid-2045. In my area, council data shows that over the next 25 years, West Lothian is forecast to have the fastest growth in population of people of pensionable age in Scotland, an estimated increase of 44%.
There is an enormous social responsibility on us as a country to look after our rapidly expanding older generation, but from an economic perspective it’s absolutely vital. Today is International Day of Older Persons, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges of an ageing population and making sure people grow old with dignity and stay active members of society. Its ethos sits right at the heart of our Xcite Ageing Well initiative which has been running for over 25 years.
This initiative was established to promote healthy ageing by offering social, accessible activities that enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. We know physical activity for older people bolsters immunity, slows the biological clock and is a protective factor for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer, but the social aspect is equally as important. While services like ours help to alleviate the strain on the NHS, it’s much more than that.
They provide a safe space for friendships to blossom, intergenerational connection, and alleviate loneliness, so prevalent in our older people. Thes.
