Local considerations
The older population is not equally spread across the UK. Higher concentrations of older populations are found in rural and coastal areas than urban areas.
Somerset is one of the most rural counties in England. Its population density of 1.5 people per hectare is well below the England average of 4.1 per hectare. In particular, West Somerset’s density of 0.5 per hectare is one of the five lowest of any local authority in England. 48 of Somerset’s 138 council wards have a population density of under 1 per hectare, including representatives of all five districts. Rural areas are expected to see larger than average increases in population aged 65 and over with virtually no increase in the younger populations.
Access to services
Older people are more likely to live in rural areas than younger people, which means accessing services (such as shops, health visits and socialising) often involves longer journeys. Public and private transport is less available in rural areas, so these people are more reliant on cars. However, driving rates decrease with age. This can leave older people in rural areas isolated and struggling to access services, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for taxis or have no family members close by.
Health services
At age 65 years, both men and women can expect to spend around half of their remaining life in good health. However, the likelihood of becoming disabled and/or experiencing multiple chronic and complex health conditions increases with age. As life expectancy increases, so does the amount of time lived in poor health. The Health Survey for England shows that in 2016, 29% of those aged 60 to 64 years had two or more chronic conditions. For those aged 75 years and over this rises to almost half. As the population of Somerset continues to age, there may be a requirement to support more individuals with chronic conditions.
Social care
Social care requirements increase with age, with people aged 65 and over on low incomes the most likely to need help with daily activities. Although those on low incomes are more likely to receive help than those on higher incomes, the gap between the need for help and receipt of help is widest for those on low incomes. Somerset has both areas of deprivation and of affluence. Social care offerings may need to be adjusted to ensure that those in low-income areas are getting the support they need.
Wellbeing
Personal wellbeing levels vary across different ages. Ratings are lowest around mid-life but then start to rise around ages 60 to 64 years, peaking between the mid-60s and mid-70s before starting to decrease with age. Similarly, anxiety levels are highest in mid-life and start to decline in people’s early- to mid-60s, dropping to their lowest levels in the mid- to late-60s after which they stay relatively stable. The decreasing in wellbeing at the oldest ages reflect declines in health and the increased risk of widowhood. This is an issue likely to require future support.
Equality and diversity
Providers have a responsibility to ensure that services are accessible to all and are designed to meet the needs of the local population. Information about equality and diversity is essential in the planning, commissioning, and delivery of local services. Under the Equalities Act, the Council is required to ensure that services do not discriminate against people in any of the 9 protected characteristics groups: Age, Disability, Gender reassignment, Marriage or civil partnership (in employment only), Pregnancy and maternity, Race, Religion or belief, Sex, Sexual orientation.
Ethnicity
The Council must consider ethnicity through the protected characteristic of race. Levels of ethnicity are hard to measure. This is for two reasons. First, ethnicity is not a single measure but a composite measure of many different factors that make up an individual or community. Second, the proportions of different ethnic groups in an area can change quickly. The most reliable estimates for ethnicity within Somerset are the 2021 census figures, shown below. The vast majority of the resident Somerset population is white with only 3.6% from all other ethnic groups combined. 8.7% of the Somerset population were from an ethnic group other than White: British.
