The challenges of an ageing population

Elderly people are pushing back the boundaries of age. You are more likely to find those in their 70s down their local gym or doing voluntary work than relaxing in an armchair with a slice of cake.

But one thing the elderly can’t seem to defy is declining eye health. According to research group Mintel’s Optical Goods Retailing Report once over the age of 45, the majority of people need vision correction, reading glasses or more complex lenses such as bifocals or varifocals.

Given the expected rise in the UK’s elderly population – a 9.1 per cent jump in the over 65s between now and 2019 – opticians are set to benefit from older people’s increased need for and attitude towards optical services.