Facts and figures
Europe has the highest proportion of elderly people in the world. One person in 15 is over 75; this will be one in 10 by 2010.
About 8.5% of Somerset's population is over 75 already; 17% are over 65. The number of 75-84 year-olds is expected to rise by 7.3%, but the over-85s by 41%.
Old people are heavy consumers of healthcare (women more than men) and the cost of their social care is rising exponentially. Disability rises steadily with old age, with joint troubles, breathlessness, feet and back problems being prominent. The need for home helps and mobile meals rises steeply with age and the expense is very great.
