Independence in Ageing: Promoting Positive Independence In Ageing - Introduction

The population is increasing

The Office for National Statistics figures suggest the UK population will surpass 69.6 million by mid-2029 and reach 72 million by mid-2041. (Govt office for Science, 2021)

People are living longer

Average life expectancy for males is currently just over 79 years and females is around 83 years. By 2032, this is projected to increase to 83 years and 87 years respectively. (Kings Fund, 2023)

The population is ageing
Over the next 10 years, there is projected to be approximately 59,000 more deaths than births as national fertility rates are falling, and the baby boomer generations after World War Two and in the 1960s are now reaching retirement age. (ONS, 2022).

In 2020, the number of people aged 85 years and over was estimated to be 1.7 million (2.5% of the UK population). By 2045 this is projected to almost double to 3.1 million (4.3% of the UK population). Whilst over the next 20 years the population aged 65-84 will rise by 39 per cent.

Learning Outcomes

•to understand how the ageing process affects the body;

•to be able to explain what frailty is, and how it occurs and how it can be prevented;

•to be able to explain the importance of keeping physically strong and flexible in older age and the rationale for avoidance of a sedentary lifestyle and deconditioning

•to be able to explain the importance of encouraging a collaborative approach to activities of daily living

•to be able to articulate how dietary needs change with ageing

•to understand how the efficacy of the swallow reflex changes as we age;

•To be able to provide some examples of how we can promote positive independence in ageing.