Over 1 million elderly people live in Scotland
This is approximately 20% of the population
The number of elderly people is expected to increase dramatically over the next 30 years as life expectancy increases
By 2030 it is estimated 1 in 3 persons will be elderly
2. The Needs of the Elderly
The needs of the elderly can be divided into 3 categories
Physical Needs
Emotional Needs
Financial Needs
Physical Needs
97% of elderly people wear glasses
43% have some difficulty in hearing
25% have hearing aids
50% have arthritis
20% are unable to go outside alone
15% cannot climb stairs alone
Emotional Needs
Loneliness - many live alone. Their friends may die and children move away
Fear of going out - elderly are a vulnerable age group They remain in their home with little or no contact with others as they are scared to go out or answer the door
Financial Needs
Some elderly people rely on state pension (�86). This is enough to cover basic needs but not enough for luxuries.
Fuel bills (heating) increase during winter. Many elderly worry about being unable to pay the increased cost and are reluctant to use adequate heating.
The government gives the elderly a Christmas bonus with the added cost of that period - it is a minimal amount of �10
However some elderly people have other sources of income and are less likely to face the above problems