Older people continue to make up a higher proportion of the population in rural and coastal areas than urban areas, confirm the latest government statistics.

The Rural Services Network says this is expected to put pressure on public services, especially those related to health and social care.

The 10 local authorities with the highest percentage of the population aged 65 years and over are on the coast, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Five of those areas are in the south-west region of England – where more than 21.6% of the population are aged 65 years and over.

Of the 10 local authorities with the lowest percentage of the population aged 65 years and over, nine of these are in the Greater London region.

This is where less than 11.6% of the population are aged 65 years and over.

Similar trends are also seen for those aged 85 years and over.

The details are contained in the latest statistical release looking at how people are living longer, how the population is changing and why it matters.

The document is an overview of population ageing in the UK – which examines some of the implications for the economy, public services, society and the individual.

The full document can be downloaded here.

“Within the UK, the older population is not equally spread across local areas,” said the Office for National Statistics.

Over the last several decades, rural areas have seen larger increases in average age than urban areas, it added.

“Looking ahead, the population aged 65 years and over is projected to grow by around 50% in both urban and rural areas between 2016 and 2039.

In comparison, the younger population (aged under 65 years) is only projected to grow by 8% in urban areas, with virtually no increase in the younger population in rural areas.

“This will result in an increase in the ratio of older to younger people, particularly in rural areas.” said the ONS.