The so-called "demographic agequake" has hit Buckinghamshire, according to a new survey showing a sharp rise in the numbers of pensioners living in the county.

Figures published by the GMB union this week reveal the number of OAPs has risen by 14 per cent since 1991.

The county now has a population of around 480,000, with 81,374 men over 65 and women over 60 (17 per cent) a rise of just over 10,000 in 10 years.

Paul Kenny, senior GMB official, said: These figures need careful study by policy makers and the number of pensioners is expected to rise over the coming period.

If this trend continues it will have significant implications for the development of resources for health and social services and will also have implications for childcare and for the caring of the elderly at home."

The study shows a migratory trend, with an increase in pensioners moving from cities to shire counties. Buckinghamshire ranks 12th in a list 172 places in the UK where pensioner numbers are rising.

Trevor Boyd, head of services for old people at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: People are living longer and becoming more dependent and this places more demands on social services.

We are aware of this demographic trend and, in response, are developing a range of services to meet the needs of an increasingly ageing population.

This includes help to enable people to live at home such as domiciliary care as well as for those who need residential and nursing home care.

January 30, 2003 17:00