Commenting on the ONS Estimates of the Very Old 2002-2014, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, the older people’s charity said:
“We welcome these new figures revealing a spectacular increase in the number of people aged 100 or over. It’s a remarkable fact that there are over 14,000 centenarians in the UK and highlights the significant progress we have made, particularly in medical care and public health over the last half century.
Yet the UK remains unprepared for ageing in many crucial areas. The NHS, social care, transport and housing all require much more work if we are to successfully meet the needs of our rapidly ageing population. And as people live for longer, we risk greater numbers of lonely older people living alone without support, company or friendship.
We have raised these critical issues our new 2030 Vision report, which warns politicians that there is no excuse for inaction and that they must act now to help our society get ready for ageing.”