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11 Oct 2012
The number of centenarians in Scotland has increased by nearly 50 per cent in the space of a decade, figures released today have revealed.
There are now 830 people aged 100 or older in the country, compared to 580 in 2002.
The number of those aged between 90 and 100 has also risen sharply, providing further evidence that Scotland’s is a rapidly ageing population.
Scottish Conservative health spokesman and deputy leader Jackson Carlaw MSP said:
“It is a positive sign that people in Scotland are living longer and the number of those reaching this impressive milestone is increasing.
“But it also serves as a strict reminder that our population is ageing constantly.
“And not only do we have an increase in older people, but also a rise in very old people.
“Our NHS and social care services are simply not prepared for this, and we need to put in place plans now to deal with an issue which will only become more challenging.
“Already this week we have seen a damning report into the care of old people at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, which is hardly a sign of encouragement for the future.
“Standard of care for this demographic should be improving, not regressing, and I sincerely hope similar failings are not found elsewhere in Scotland.”
To see the full report visit:
www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/10/centenarians111012
The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was criticised for its standard of care for elderly patients this week:
www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/health/damning-report-criticises-eri-s-levels-of-care-provided-for-elderly-patients-1-2565979
