Population Aged 50 and Over in Wales, 1991 to 2031

Statistics on the population aged 50 and over include data for UK, England, Scotland, Wales and North Ireland for the period 1991 to 2031.

The population aged 50 years and over in Wales:

• increased by 15.6 per cent in the period 1991-2007 and stood at 1.11 million in 2007, which is 37 per cent of the overall population (higher than the UK figure of 34 per cent);
• is projected to increase by a further 28.0 per cent by 2031, to 1.42 million or 43.0 per cent of the population;
• has increased mainly due to an increase in life expectancy for both males and females over the last 30 years.  Between 1976 and 2006 the life expectancy at birth has increased by 8.4 years for males and by 6.3 years for females;
• shows similar trends within most local authorities in Wales, however, the proportion varies a great deal between local authorities. In 2007 the highest proportion aged 50 and over was in Conwy (44.0 per cent) and the lowest was in Cardiff (28.7 per cent).
• The population aged 85 and over is projected to more than double in size between 2007 and 2031 to 156,400.

Revision note

The 2002-2008 mid year estimates were revised in May 2010 as part of ONS’ programme on improving population and migration estimates (IMPS).

This output is based on the unrevised population and migration data and therefore should be treated with caution.

More information on IMPS can be accessed through the related links section.

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 1595
E-mail: stats.popcensus@wales.gsi.gov.uk