Shropshire 'set for rise in elderly'

South Shropshire is predicted to have one of the largest elderly populations in England compared to its working population by 2029.

In 2029, 41.6% of its population will be over 65, according to projections revealed by a BBC-commissioned study.
The rate showing the number over 65 compared to the working age population is predicted to rise by more than a third over that time.
The research predicts the area will be the 10th most under pressure in the UK.
The Bridgnorth area is also expected to see a rise in the number of people aged over 65, compared to the working age population.
By 2029, 32.8% of its population is expected to be 65 years old or older.
In 2009, the Shropshire Council area was the fifth most popular place for people aged 65 and over to move to.

During that year, a total of 800 people in that age group moved there.

Age Concern Shropshire Telford & Wrekin chief executive Heather Osborne said it was known that Shropshire's older population had been rising at a much higher rate than other areas.
She said: "In south Shropshire the big issue is the rurality of the area - it's a very large rural area. It has very sparsely populated areas, except the market towns.
"So there are many older people who are potentially quite isolated."
She said there was a "constant increase" in the numbers of older people and "a decreasing pot of money to develop the services to support them".
The chief executive added: "Our own services are in such demand. We always have waiting lists for most of the services.
"We are waiting to hear if we're going to have cuts from grants from local authorities."