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THE number of over-75s in Renfrewshire has soared by more than 40 per cent in the past 20 years.
New figures released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show a 14.5 per cent drop in the number of local residents aged 25 to 44 but a 40.5 per cent jump for those aged 75 and over.
Meanwhile, those who are between 45 and 64 form the largest age group in Renfrewshire, numbering 51,408.
Experts at Age Scotland have warned the area needs to have the infrastructure in place to accommodate an ageing population, particularly when it comes to social care needs and an increase in those with dementia.
Adam Stachura, the charity’s head of policy, told The Gazette: “We already know that both health and social care face immense pressure in terms of funding and staffing – pressure that has been hugely amplified by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is likely that our health and social care services will face future challenges in terms of helping people live well and supporting growing numbers of people at an older age.
“We must ensure they are properly resourced and planning on how best to support more older people.
“We need to make sure people can become more connected with those around them and are able to build lasting and valuable relationships with shared interests.”
Mr Stachura said more dementia awareness is needed and employers must be more age-inclusive as a growing number of older residents continue working.
Figures from NRS also show that net migration in Renfrewshire in 2018/19 was the fifth highest of all Scottish council areas.
The number of people moving to the area compared to leaving jumped from 1,340 in 2017/18 to 1,520 last year.
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