EDINBURGH (The Scotsman), January 23, 2008:VAST differences are set to emerge in patterns of population across Scotland over the next 25 years, according to the latest demographic forecasts. The figures give a sobering "snapshot" projection for Scotland's 32 local authority areas, showing drifts in population, a massive increase in the number of elderly people and a sharp drop in the number under the age of 15.
The key factor is that while the population is expected to rise over the next 25 years, it will age markedly. There will be a massive increase in the number of over-75s – up by 81 per cent across the country and by up to 156 per cent in Aberdeenshire.
Lindsay Scott, spokesman for Help The Aged in Scotland, said local authorities should start planning now and people in their 40s and 50s should "get into training" for a longer life.
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By SHÂN ROSS
©2008 Johnston Press Digital Publishing
