24 April 2009
Northwest acts to defuse demographic time bomb
England’s Northwest today (24 April 2009) launched a bold new
strategy to ‘age-proof’ its future – encouraging the abolition of
the retirement age and positive action to retain more over-50s in
the workforce.
Everybody’s Future: A Framework for Ageing in the North West
warns that, without drastic action to address the rapidly ageing
population, the region faces labour and skills shortages and will
struggle to maintain economic growth. It will also face huge
disparities in health and wealth.
The forward-thinking strategy is the first attempt by a UK
region to ‘age-proof’ its future policies and plan for the
so-called ‘demographic timebomb’. It presents a
co-ordinated approach to planning for the region’s economy,
housing, transport and the health and wellbeing of the
population.
The framework was developed by 5050vision, the North West Forum
on Ageing, in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA) and a wide range of public, voluntary and private
sector organisations.
The next two decades will see a 40 per cent rise in the number
of over-60s living in the North West, and a relative decline in the
number of people of working age. In some parts of the region,
this will result in aged dependency ratios close to those in Japan
– the highest in the developed world. 1
Speaking at the official launch of the framework, NWDA Chief
Executive Steven Broomhead said: “England’s Northwest is entering a
period of profound demographic change as the baby boomer generation
comes of age.
“In response, the region’s key agencies have come together to
develop a joined-up approach to the challenges and opportunities we
face.
“This is a bold and far-reaching document that I believe will
blaze a trail for the rest of the UK. I am proud that the
Northwest has taken such a proactive role and I am confident that
the framework will shape a better future for everyone in the region
– young and old alike.”
Regional Minister Beverley Hughes said: “Our ageing population,
especially the growing number of people over 50 at a time of
extraordinary economic challenge, makes it imperative that we have
clear strategies in place to address the specific needs of older
people.
“This framework makes an important contribution to how
government and the wider public sector responds.”
Liz North, Project Manager for 5050Vision, said: “Addressing the
ageing population is not just about tackling problems. More people,
living longer, healthier lives, also presents us with real
opportunities – for example the chance to maintain economic growth
by incorporating older people back into the workforce.
“I hope that the framework will increase national debate around
this vital issue – and encourage other regions to consider their
own response to demographic change.”
About the framework
• The framework was developed by 5050vision in partnership
with: NWDA; Government Office North West; 4NW, the Regional
Leaders’ Forum for the North West; NHS North West; the Department
of Health North West; the Care Services Improvement Partnership
(now the Joint Improvement Services Partnership); Age Concern and
Help the Aged. www.5050vision.com
• The framework was written by Manchester-based consultancy
Organisation Development Services (ODS), which co-ordinated a
stakeholder engagement process involving representatives of more
than 150 public, private and voluntary sector organisations.
www.odsuk.com
• The framework aims to ensure a joined-up approach to
planning for the changing demographic of the region – addressing
issues including the local economy, housing, transport and health
and wellbeing.
What happens next?
• All of the partner organisations involved in the development
of the framework have committed to take forward their individual
priorities. These include: securing European funding to address the
priorities identified, and continuing to fund the work of
5050vision (NWDA); commissioning a review of specialist housing
needs (4NW, the Regional Leaders’ Forum for the North West); and
lobbying for the abolition of the state retirement age (Age
Concern).
Everybody’s Future: Regional Framework for Ageing in the North
West was launched at a stakeholder event at the Reebok Stadium,
Bolton, on 24 April 2009. To download a copy of the
framework, visit www.5050vision.com
Ends
1. Office of National Statistics figures published in June
2008 predicted that the North West of England will see a 40 per
cent rise in its over 60s population between now and 2030. This
will lead to a massive increase in the region’s aged dependency
ratio (the ratio of the non-working population to the working
population). The North West’s current aged dependency ratio of 0.3
is expected to rise to 0.42 between now and 2026. In some parts of
the region the rise will be even more dramatic – coming close to
the aged dependency ratio of Japan, the highest in the developed
world.
Editor’s notes
• 5050vision, the North West Forum on Ageing, is a
strategic partnership which focuses on the issues facing people
aged 50 and over. The partnership brings together a range of
public, voluntary and private sector organisations and aims to
ensure the implications of demographic change are addressed by
policy and decision makers. The partnership, set up in 2003, was
the first of its kind in the UK. www.5050vision.com
• Everybody’s Future: A Regional Framework for Ageing in the
North West – is the result of a partnership between 5050vision and:
NWDA, Government Office North West, 4NW, NHS North West, DH North
West, the Care Services Improvement Partnership (now the Joint
Improvement Services Partnership), Age Concern and Help the
Aged.
• The framework aims to ensure a coherent policy approach
across the region to the implications of demographic change –
providing strategic direction and practical support.
Media enquiries to: Libby Howard for 5050vision, tel. 07879
446277, email libby@lhpr.uk.com or Liz North,
5050vision project manager, tel. 07816 494633, email liz.north@nwda.co.uk.