Ageing without children

The number of women who have not had children has more than doubled in a generation, from 9% of those born in the 1940s to 19% of women born in the 1960s. It is estimated that 25% of women born in the 1970s will not have children.

The number of people 65+ without adult children is predicted to reach 2 million by 2030. The number of single and childless older people needing care is projected to increase by 80% by 2032.

The organisation Ageing Without Children urges consideration in policy and practice of other groups who are ageing without children. This includes people who have had children, but those children have either died or are unable to offer help or support because they live at a great distance or have care needs of their own. It also includes people who have had children, but those children are unwilling to offer help and support because they are estranged or have no contact.