Older People's Strategy - Newcastle City Council

11 The older population will become more diverse and witha growing number of black and minority ethnic (BME) olderpeople. According to the 2001 Census, the number of BMEpeople aged 50+ is 1,900 and this is projected to increaseto 4,300 by 2016 (see Annex 7, Note 3). Newcastle has a relatively high proportion of people witha disability and this is expected to increase in line with anageing population. The Institute for Ageing and Health is predicting that lifeexpectancy will continue to increase by about two yearsper decade – equivalent to five hours per day (see Annex 7,Note 4). The prevalence of dementia in the UK is forecast to increaseto 940,000 by 2021 (see Annex 7, Note 5); in Newcastle thismeans an estimated increase from 3,000 people in 2005 to4,100 by 2021.Further information about the characteristics of Newcastle’solder population is given in the profile in Annex 1.The challenge is not just about numbers of older people;it is also about the imaginative and creative ways in whichwe respond to longevity, as individuals and as a society.We need to plan for this changing picture by recognisingthe resource that a growing older population represents byencouraging and supporting their contribution, developingnew services which promote healthy ageing and support interdependence,as well as developing health and social careservices and housing which can respond to increased demand.