Shropshire Star comment: Future is with all the pensioners
We are at the dawn of an era unparalleled in history – an era in which the old are the future.
It is the reality of a new model of society which is taking shape and is already throwing up many challenges.
Yes, the young are the future too. But the older generation are a growing constituency and will have growing influence and, not least, growing needs.
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, by 2041 there will be nearly 76,000 households in Shropshire, and nearly 31,000 in the Telford & Wrekin patch, in which the head of the household will be over 65. This represents a rise of 58 per cent and 64 per cent respectively.
So there is a big question of how, and if, the National Health Service is going to be able to cope with the ever-rising demand.
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A lot of older folk remain active and like to continue to work. Others think they have done their bit and want to enjoy their retirement. This is a growing army whose state pensions will have to be paid, by and large through taxes on those in work.
Then there’s the care sector. It is already creaking, and the real tests are yet to come. The question of where younger people are going to live is on the political radar. But where are older people going to live?
These are all pressing practical issues. Another emerging change is democracy. There are going to be more and more “old votes” out there which will have increasing influence in elections and, dare we say it, referendums.
According to Age UK, the populations of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are ageing at a faster rate than most of the country. There are parts of the county particularly attractive as retirement destinations, despite the disadvantages of living in a rural area with indifferent public transport, long distances to the local hospitals, and so on.
Shropshire Council is responding to the new demographics by launching its Adult Social Care Strategy. It is a strategy which aims to look after the old and give them the support they need.
It is good to get the planning in early. However, there can be no doubt that the prudent planning will only prove effective if it is backed up by money – and we are talking about truly vast amounts.
