How many 90 year olds are in Scotland? A breakdown of the latest statistics

According to the National Records of Scotland (NRS), there were 45,550 people aged 90 years and over in Scotland in mid-2023, the highest number ever recorded. This growing demographic has significant implications for how many 90 year olds are in Scotland and the country’s senior care landscape, highlighting evolving population trends.

Quick Summary

As of mid-2023, there were an estimated 45,550 people aged 90 or older living in Scotland, a record-breaking figure that continues an upward trend in the country's aging population.

Key Points

• Record-high population: As of mid-2023, Scotland's population of people aged 90 and over reached a record 45,550, continuing a decade-long upward trend.

• Growing gender parity: The gender gap in the 90+ age group is narrowing, with the male population in this category increasing much faster than the female population over the past 20 years.

• Impact of deprivation: Significant inequalities exist in life expectancy, with those in the most deprived areas living for considerably fewer years than those in affluent areas.

• Stalled life expectancy: While overall life expectancy has increased over decades, it has stalled since the mid-2010s, influenced by factors like socioeconomic conditions and the pandemic.

• Social care implications: The growing number of older people increases demand for services, particularly free personal and nursing care, placing additional pressure on public finances and resources.

• Valuable contribution: Older people contribute significantly to society through volunteering, caring responsibilities, and other activities, and their value goes beyond being recipients of care.

Scotland's record-high over-90 population

Data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) confirms a significant demographic shift. The mid-2023 estimates show that the number of individuals aged 90 and over in Scotland reached 45,550, the highest ever recorded. This represents a 1.3% increase in just one year.

While Scotland's population is aging overall, migration contributes to maintaining younger age groups.

Demographic trends within the older population

Examining the data reveals specific trends within the 90+ age group, such as changes in gender distribution and the rise in centenarians.

Gender distribution

In mid-2023, women constituted two-thirds of the population aged 90 and over, reflecting higher female life expectancy. However, the male 90+ population has increased at a significantly faster rate (133%) over the past two decades compared to women (29%), indicating a narrowing of the gender gap.

The rise of centenarians

The mid-2023 figures for the 90+ age group include approximately 1,000 centenarians (those aged 100 or more), an increase from 580 two decades earlier. Despite a recent stall in overall life expectancy, this indicates improvements in longevity.

Factors influencing longevity in Scotland

Life expectancy in Scotland is influenced by several factors, including healthcare, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. Improvements in healthcare have contributed to increased longevity. However, a significant gap exists between the life expectancy in the most and least deprived areas, and there are differences between urban and remote rural regions. While the prevalence of some causes of death has decreased, conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease are becoming more common.

Implications for senior care and public services

The increasing population of those aged 90 and over has implications for social care and public services. The growing number increases the demand for personal and nursing care, which is provided free to eligible adults in Scotland. This demographic shift also adds pressure on public finances for areas like social security and healthcare. Many older individuals live alone, highlighting the need for appropriate housing and community support. It is important to recognize the valuable contributions older people make to society, such as volunteering and caring for family.

Historical comparison: The 90+ population trend

The trend in Scotland's 90+ population over the past decade shows consistent growth:

Year	People Aged 90+ in Scotland	Percentage Change from Previous Year	Key Trend
Mid-2023	45,550	+1.3%	Record-high population
Mid-2022	44,960	+1.5%	Highest ever total at the time
Mid-2013	approx. 37,750	-	Mid-2023 figure is 20% higher than a decade earlier

The mid-2023 figure is 20% higher than a decade earlier, clearly illustrating the significant and ongoing growth in this demographic.

Conclusion: A shifting demographic landscape

Understanding how many 90 year olds are in Scotland involves recognizing the record numbers and the factors driving this trend. The increase in longevity creates challenges for social care and public services. For more detailed statistics, you can refer to the official data from the National Records of Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many 90 year olds are in Scotland, according to the latest figures?

According to the National Records of Scotland, the number of people aged 90 years and over was 45,550 as of mid-2023. This includes all individuals from 90 upwards, including centenarians.

Is Scotland's population of people aged over 90 growing?

Yes, Scotland's population of people aged 90 and over has been growing. The mid-2023 figure of 45,550 was a 1.3% increase from the previous year and a record high.

What is the gender split among the 90+ population in Scotland?

Historically, more women than men have lived into their 90s. In mid-2023, two out of every three people aged 90 and over were female. However, the number of men reaching this age has been increasing at a faster rate over the last 20 years.

Are there more people over 90 now than a decade ago?

Yes, there has been a significant increase. The mid-2023 figure of 45,550 people aged 90 and over represents a 20% increase from the number of older people a decade earlier.

What is Scotland's policy for senior care for people over 90?

Scotland has a policy of Free Personal and Nursing Care. Any adult who has been assessed by their local authority as requiring these services is eligible, regardless of their income or capital assets.

How does longevity compare between different parts of Scotland?

Life expectancy, including reaching age 90, varies across Scotland. Remote rural areas tend to have higher life expectancy, while large urban areas have lower rates. Deprivation levels also play a major role, with significant gaps between the most and least deprived areas.

What impact does the growing number of 90 year olds have on Scotland?

A growing population of older people impacts social care funding, healthcare services, and housing. It also emphasizes the important social contributions made by older people, such as volunteering and providing unpaid care.