Scottish centenarians are country's "fastest-growing age group"

Healthcare News
02/07/2009
The number of people aged 100 or over is growing rapidly, according to new research.

Scotland's ageing population is growing fast, according to new research released this month.

Registrar general for Scotland Duncan Macniven revealed that the number of Scottish people aged 100 or above has jumped by a quarter in seven years alone, now standing at 720 compared to just 570 in 2002.

Experts are, however, warning that this trend could put more pressure on families and care homes, which will need to expand or improve facilities if the country is going to deal with the evident improvements in the health of older people.

Speaking to the Sun, a spokesperson for Age Concern and Help the Aged in Scotland said the charities are trying to push "active ageing" to lessen the load on institutionalised care.

He explained: "Gradually people are realising they have to exercise and be active. If they do not, they may live to an old age but the final 10 or 20 years could be totally dependent on care."

The news follows the sad passing of Elizabeth Cockburn, who died at the age of 108 after seeing six generations of her family grow up.

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