In praise of centenarians

THE “post-war baby boom generation” has long been a familiar landmark in studies of social change in the UK. But which post-war boom?

We will soon experience a further increase in the number of centenarians in Scotland, reflecting the great baby boom that followed the First World War. As it is, the number of Scots centenarians has already risen sharply, to a record 830.

Amid all our woes about our economy, pressures on living standards and the ever-rising costs of health and welfare services, we should celebrate more than we do the rise in the numbers of those living longer and staying healthy longer. The figure of 830 has risen by 43 per cent on the level of a decade ago. And, since the number of births in 1920 was the highest since the introduction of national registration in 1855, a further massive increase looks likely.

So far, there has been a preponderance of women making it to the Queen’s telegram list. About eight out of ten centenarians are women. Because of sharp rises in male death rates due to world wars, and the toll on males through heavy manual labour, women have enjoyed a massive advantage. Champions of sex equality will, of course, be anxious to see a sharp reduction in this disparity, and an improvement in the number of males making it to the big “ton-up”.

Much is made of the “burden” of our ageing population, but far less on the benefits of older people in the workforce and society in general. Many families benefit from having more active elderly members to provide experience and help. No matter how many more will make it to 100, it is, and will remain, one of life’s achievements.