Short fall predicted in pool of informal carers for the oldest old

Demographic indicators have long been signalling an increase in the proportion of old people but, currently, young retired people make a significant contribution by providing informal care to their parents. This active retired generation will have to play a greater part in the future as the oldest old are expected to make up an increasing proportion of the number of retired people. However, demographic forecasts suggest that there will be a large fall in the potential pool of these informal carers. This will lead to an increase in the need for expensive formal care but staff needed to provide this care are not available. Nurses need to improve the independent functioning of the oldest old by becoming aware of aids and environmental adaptations as well as health measures to increase independence.