Large population of elderly people in Sussex

West Sussex is a large county of 769 square miles, with over half the land designated as protected countryside and a high concentration of coastal communities, as well as extensive rural areas.

 

The population of West Sussex is approximately 882,700, (699,330 adults), which has increased by 9.4% over the last 10 years.  This generally reflects increases at a national and regional level with the largest increase of over 20.8% in the 65+ age group.

The population in West Sussex is expected to increase by 8% from 2018 to 2028 with larger increases in the 65+ age group (23%) and notably in the 85+ age group (28%).

   

People in West Sussex generally have a good quality of life with a relatively high life expectancy of 82.5 years compared with 81.4 years in England; life expectancy for men is 80.3 years and 83.9 years for women.

 

The rate for the 80+ age group is higher at 6,123 per 100,000 in Brighton & Hove compared to England, (5,363), the South East, (5,515), and CIPFA neighbours, (5,707).

 

Several Sussex towns and villages have been named among those with the oldest populations in the country. Census data revealed that Rustington, Bexhill and Seaford are among the medium-sized towns outside London with the most older people.

 

The data also showed that Golden Cross near Hailsham was among the villages with a high population of elderly people.

 

In the 2021 census, Rustington was found to have a median age of 56 while Bexhill and Seaford averaged at 54 years old.

 

Living longer can be challenging. There are increased risks of developing dementia and other conditions as we age. This in turn places pressure on the health system.

 

Long term conditions and increasing frailty can also result in social isolation.

 

Older people can also face a lack of training and development opportunities, despite the retirement age being raised to 68 by 2017.

 

But older adults can also contribute significant skills, knowledge and experience to society.

 

It is estimated that in 2014, they contributed £61 billion to the UK economy, through informal caring, child minding and voluntary work.

 

This contribution is projected to reach £77 billion by 2030.

 

Here is some more information: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/files/sites/bhconnected/files/Ageing%20Well%20in%20BH%20%20Final.pdf