Centenarians in Scotland estimated to have passed 1,000

The number of people aged 100 and over has risen by four percent in the year to June 2024, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS). 

The latest estimates from NRS show that there were 1,020 centenarians living in Scotland.

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said:

“It is heartening to learn that there are now more than 1,000 centenarians living in Scotland, a figure that would have been unimaginable at the time these people were born. They have experienced transformations in their lives that most of us cannot begin to imagine.
 
“The rising number of people celebrating their 100th birthday shows that advances in medicine and the increasing effectiveness of preventative health treatments can help people live longer and healthier lives. But lifestyle plays a part too and we know that loneliness and social isolation, which affects so many older people, is extremely damaging to physical and mental wellbeing and can contribute to early death.
 
“While a long life, well lived, is certainly something to celebrate it is also a reminder that there is a considerable amount of work to be done to put in place robust plans that will ensure growing numbers of people in their 90s and beyond are supported to have the best quality of life possible.
 
“Health and social care, housing needs, pensions policy, financial planning and benefits are all areas that will need significant investment to cope with an increase in the number of older people requiring their services for longer. It is vital that these decisions are made now so that services aren’t left trying to catch up with the demands of an ageing population, as the numbers of people living well into their 90s appears set to grow.”

By 2047, 44% of the Scottish population will be over 50, and the number of people aged over 65 is projected to grow by almost one quarter.

With such a predicted growth in Scotland's ageing population, Age Scotland's services will face increasing demand and continue to provide a vital lifeline for those who need us most.  In order to meet this growth in demand, we need more support too. If you'd like to contribute to our work and the services we provide, please consider the many different ways you can donate, including fundraising, events, and leaving a legacy, or maybe consider becoming a volunteer.