Citizen 2025 | The future of ageing: how the over-65s are breaking every stereotype

In our 2015 Citizen 2025 report, we highlighted the impact a ‘live longer’ culture could have on UK society and beyond. We considered how this might affect our daily lives, as the over-65s broke away from the traditional ‘pipe and slippers retirement’ stereotype, and looked forward to living a much longer and more fulfilling lifestyle. 10 years on, where are we now?

Are we living longer?

In 2015, the ONS (Office for National Statistics) predicted that two million of the population would be over 85 by 2024. By 2022, ONS data from the 2021 Census showed that the UK was well on its way to this figure, with 1.7 million people (2.5% of the population) aged over 85 years.

Similarly, the percentage of over-65s that make up our population has increased by nearly 10% since 2015, according to ONS and World Bank figures; from 11.59 million in 2015 to 13.34 million in 2024. With the 2024 figures meaning almost 20% of the UK population is now over 65, the live-longer culture is showing no signs of slowing.

So, how did we think this trend might impact how we live, work and play in 2015? And what’s the present-day status quo?

‘Transitional’ retirement to replace a ‘hard stop’

When it came to retirement, in 2015:

• 25% of the 1,000 UK adults we surveyed said they expected to retire aged between 61 and 65
• With 30% planning to work until 70

This expectation appears to have shifted considerably, according to a 2024 research report by pensions specialist, Phoenix Group:

• 25% of people expect to ‘never really retire’
• Traditional, ‘hard stop’ retirement is expected to dwindle significantly
• A further 41% of the 1,500 respondents believe this will become the norm in the next 10 to 25 years

Naturally, with access to better healthcare than previous generations, and UK life expectancy now in the early 80s, many over 65s may choose to work for longer. However, Age UK warns of a ‘Great Unretirement’ where people aren’t working by choice but by necessity due to the cost-of-living crisis and other economic factors. Quoting research by the DWP, Age UK cites concerns that 62% of the UK population is working past the age they’d like to. A situation which could be exacerbated by the Government’s recent announcement to review the state pension age.

“Many of my clients no longer enjoy the security of a defined benefit (final salary) pension scheme. Those generous, predictable pensions are increasingly rare for those who have worked outside of the public sector.

Instead, most people now rely on defined contribution pension schemes, where retirement income depends on how much has been saved and how well the investments perform. Unfortunately, these schemes are not always funded as fully as they should be during a person’s working life.

If your retirement plans depend on a defined contribution scheme, it’s essential to review your position regularly with your financial and pension advisers. Small adjustments made early can make a big difference later.

I also see a growing number of clients, particularly the self-employed, who haven’t been able to save as much as they would like for retirement. As a result, more people are choosing, or needing, to work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65.

Interestingly, not everyone continues working for financial reasons. Many tell me they genuinely enjoy their work and wish to stay active into their late 60s and 70s.”

– Mark Pooley, Director of Metis Tax

Starting over at 65: the rise of later-life divorce

When it comes to their personal lives, over-65s are also breaking the mould, with our 2015 report predicting a further rise in ‘silver splitters’, and divorce and marriage rates already increasing among this demographic.

Fast forward to 2025, and divorce after 65, with second marriages and relationships to follow, are still becoming more commonplace. In fact, according to Ofcom research, 6% of dating site users in the UK are over 65. While this might not sound like a huge number, Ofcom reported that the over 65s spend more time than any other age bracket on dating sites when they do visit, at an average of five hours and 34 minutes. Popular dating app Match.com’s 2025 statistics recorded that 26% of its user base is over 50, citing this as its fastest-growing market segment.

“Over the last few years, we’ve definitely seen a change in the typical demographic looking to separate. With an increased cost of living, the younger generation may feel unable to divorce or separate as they simply cannot afford to do so. They sometimes even decide not to marry in the first place and opt for cohabitation instead.

On the flipside, we have seen an increase in the over 65s seeking advice on separation and divorce. This age bracket is increasingly seeking a fresh start now that they are financially independent (particularly if they have a public pension and/or have planned their finances carefully) and moving on from circumstances where they have been very unhappy and have been thinking about separation for years (or even decades!). Even if their pension doesn’t look as abundant as they were expecting, many over 65s are of the mindset of ‘life’s too short’ and prioritise their happiness.”

– Tom Powles, Head of Family Law at Barcan and Kirby

Enjoying existing or new relationships in the new prime of their lives, these so-called ‘boomers’ also often have the means to travel. Recent research by YouGov found that one in six over-60s travel five times or more a year.

Care responsibilities

However, it’s not all fun and frolics without responsibility. In our 2015 report, we predicted the rise of older carers, and this has become a reality. Recent Age UK figures show that in 2025, there are 2.1 million carers over the age of 65, with 420,000 of those over 80.

Empty nest delayed

As well as having to care for older spouses or relatives, 50% of adults aged between 45 and 60 have children who are in their late teens/young adults living at home due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Future-proofing a live-longer culture

It’s clear that the over 65s are living increasingly complex lives with work, relationships, caring for older relatives and supporting offspring all still very much in the mix. With this in mind, legal services must evolve to meet this traditionally ‘retired’ demographic. This requires progressive solutions that meet their needs across family law, Wills and estate planning, and employment.

For more information about how Barcan and Kirby can help you plan for the future, call 0117 325 2929 or fill out our enquiry form, and we will be in touch.