Ageing in a changing age

Abstract

Comparing our population today with that in the census before last (1976) the number of people in their sixties has increased by 14.3 per cent; the number in their seventies and eighties by 25.8 per cent. During the same period the population as a whole increased by only 9.5 per cent. When translated into goods and services and social facilities and supports, this warrants careful policy attention. Elderly people require a wide range of supports, mostly income support, but also health services, housing support, and social services. Public resources which are allocated are substantial, yet the range of incomes, access to services and housing situation of elderly people is probably wider than for any other population category.