Britain’s countryside has a growing number of older residents and the balance between age groups is shifting faster than in urban areas.   This will have an impact on all aspects of life in the country – economic activity, community, and services – but rather than create villages of highly dependent residents, the book argues that the ageing demographic could help build dynamic communities rather than be a burden on society.

Older people are increasingly economically active in rural areas, where part-time work gives them the opportunity to work more flexibly as they approach or are in retirement, and the majority of over 65s in rural areas continue to lead active social and domestic lives.

Far from being dependent, over 65s living in the countryside are more likely to give help than receive it, by volunteering for community organisations such as Age Concern that provide vital services. However, there are older people who do need extra support. The type of family and social networks a person has, whether they are still actively working or volunteering, and their state of health are all better indicators of what those needs are than a person’s age.

Where these factors are in play, older people will need to access services that will support them so that they can continue to live independently. Many older people rely on others for assistance with day-to-day tasks bringing them vital social contact as well as support. Those who have aged in their communities will find this easier as they have a lifetime of social networks to support them, than those who live in areas that have changed rapidly and therefore diffused their social networks.

Dr Stuart Burgess, the Rural Advocate, said, "It is important that those of us who care deeply for the future of rural England and for the future welfare of its people, consider carefully the ageing of the countryside. This book complements the work the Commission for Rural Communities is doing to tackle rural disadvantage amongst older people in rural areas."

Gordon Lishman, Director General, Age Concern said: “The dynamics of the ageing countryside are complex and changing but, as this book argues, they offer the opportunity for rural areas to act as both a reference point and a testing ground for policy makers and analysts in understanding the broader implications of demographic ageing and the lessons it can offer an ageing nation.  This new book will help inform the 21st Century policy agenda for both rural areas and for our wider society.”

www.ageconcern.org.uk