15% Increase In Over-65s Living Alone, Study Finds

A new study analysing data from the 2021 Census has revealed that there are now 3.3 million people over the age of 65 who are now living alone, a 15 per cent increase on the 2011 Census, when 2.9 million people resided in single-person households.

Carried out by retirement specialist firm Just Group, the study suggests that this rising propensity to live alone could potentially drive a surge in demand for social care later in life, as well as other public health services.

Previous research has indicated that there is a close correlation between living alone, poor health and increased use of public health services.

And further studies from Just Group show that 75 per cent of those aged 65 and over haven’t thought about their future care needs, put plans in place for it or discussed such matters with family members and loved ones.

Commenting on the findings, Stephen Lowe – group communications director – said: “These latest government figures show double-digit growth in the number of over-65s living alone over the past decade. Older people are more likely to suffer from health conditions as well as loneliness which in itself can contribute to deteriorating health.

“The almost inevitable knock-on effect from this will be an increased demand for public health services such as social care, piling pressure on a sector that is already struggling to cope.”

Living alone and remaining independent as you age is certainly possible, but it may be that you need to make adaptations to your home to enable you to remain in place and continue life as you know it for as long as you can.

The bathroom, for example, is a good place to begin with when considering home accessibility options, as the potential for slips, trips and falls is higher in this part of the house. Practical Bathing has a range of products available to help make the bathroom safer, including easy access baths and showers. Get in touch with us today to find out more.