Older People

Bristol Charities is actively involved in working with older people, providing residential accommodation, through its almshouses, and a pioneering approach to day services.

One of the great achievements of the twentieth century was to add 25 years to life expectancy and yet this success has not been matched by adequate preparations in addressing the "problems' created by ageing.

“Years have been added to life,
but has life been added to years?”

• The 2001 census indicated that for the first time, there were more people aged over 60 (21% of the population) than under 16 (20%.)
• By 2020 one third of the population will be aged over 50.
• The over 80s are the fastest rising segment of the population, expected to treble in the next 25 years.  

Sadly, population ageing has been viewed as a disaster waiting to happen, rather than a success story; often confusing ageing with ill health.