Ageing well

The focus of prevention in older age groups is around healthy active ageing and supporting independence so older people are able to enjoy long and healthy lives, feeling safe at home and connected to their community.  

Key facts

• In 2017, there were over 96,384 people (ONS, 2018) living in Liverpool who were aged over 60 years, which represents a 10% rise since 2001.
• The largest increases in the older population have occurred in the 85+ years cohort (26% rise).
• On average, men born in Liverpool can expect to live to 76.1 years while women born in Liverpool can expect to live to 80.2 years, both significantly below the England average and the 2nd lowest out of 8 core cities after Manchester. Life expectancy in the city has plateaued in recent years.
• Since 2014, there has been a slow rise in the number of deaths in 85+ year olds with about 14% increase in number of deaths between 2014 and 2017 in that age group.
• Health related quality of life among older people in Liverpool is the worst among the core cities and the fourth lowest level in the country.
• Falls are the largest cause of emergency hospital admissions for older people, and significantly impact on long term outcomes. In 2017/18, Liverpool had the second highest rate in the country for falls injuries among older people, with around 2,200 emergency hospital admissions due to falls annually.
• Hip fracture is a debilitating condition – only one in three sufferers return to their former levels of independence and one in three ends up leaving their own home and moving to long-term care. In 2017/18, there were 505 people aged 65 and over who experienced a hip fracture, significantly above national levels.
• Latest figures show deaths among older persons aged 85 and over in the city were 30% higher in the winter compared to the non-winter periods which is not significantly different to the England average (29%).

Detailed needs assessments

The following health needs assessments have been published in relation to Liverpool’s older population:

• Care homes HNA
• Falls and fragility HNA
• Older person HNA
• Dementia HNA

Liverpool information

• Excess winter deaths
• Healthy life expectancy infographic
• What we die from: All ages
• Long term conditions and multi morbidity
• End of Life Intelligence Report

Public Health England profiles

• Dementia profile 2017
• Adult social care