Age Equality

The age structure of Stockton is changing as it is across the rest of the UK. Around 1 in 5 people in Stockton is over 65 years old and this figure is set to increase as more of us are living longer and the birth rate falls.

The proportion of older people is increasing with the percentage of people over state pension age rising from 16% in 1971 to 19% in 2004. This trend is set to continue with the proportion of people over state pension age projected to rise 23% by 2031. The most substantial growth has occurred among the oldest old (over 85 years); the proportion has more than doubled from 0.9% in 1971 to 1.9% in 2004.

The Council needs to take these changes into account when planning for the future as it will affect how services are delivered for both younger and older people across the Borough.

To find out more about these changes and what the Council is planning to do about them look at our Single Equality Scheme and the Age Profile.

We have also recently developed an Age Action Plan (currently in its draft format) to help us be better prepared for the changes that will be happening over the coming years. As part of this process we have consulted with many local people and groups.

To tell us what you think about Age Equality in Stockton please use the Diversity Team contact details on this page.