A new study has identified Dorset as the UK’s oldest region, with Barking and Dagenham in London revealed as the youngest. Conducted by life insurance specialists Insurance Hero, the research analysed data from the Office for National Statistics, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, and Scotland’s Census, examining the percentage of local populations aged over 85 and under four across 212 areas of the UK.
The findings show a stark contrast in age distribution across the country, with Dorset emerging as the region with the highest proportion of residents aged over 85. According to the study, 4.27% of Dorset’s population is aged 85 or older, which is 85% higher than the national average of 2.31%. This makes Dorset the oldest area in the UK, with its ageing population requiring attention in terms of healthcare and social services.
Top ten UK areas with the highest percentage of people aged over 85:
| Rank | Region (Upper Local Authority Area) | Percentage over 85 | Population over 85 |
| 1 | Dorset | 4.27% | 16,212 |
| 2 | Conwy | 3.92% | 4,495 |
| 3 | Isles of Scilly | 3.84% | 79 |
| 4 | East Sussex | 3.80% | 20,745 |
| 5 | Torbay | 3.79% | 5,274 |
| 6 | Isle of Wight | 3.79% | 5,317 |
| 7 | Devon | 3.60% | 29,193 |
| 8 | Rutland | 3.55% | 1,456 |
| 9 | Powys | 3.52% | 4,694 |
| 10 | Monmouthshire | 3.51% | 3,265 |
Conwy in North Wales has the second-oldest population in the UK, with 3.92% of residents aged over 85, equating to around 4,495 people. This is followed by the Isles of Scilly, where 3.84% of the small population is aged over 85, and East Sussex, where 3.8% of residents fall into this age group. Rounding out the top five is the Torbay area, with 3.79% of its population aged 85 or older.
The study suggests a geographical trend, with the South of England and Wales containing many of the UK’s oldest populations. The Isle of Wight, Devon, and Powys in Wales also featured in the top 10 regions with the highest proportion of residents aged over 85.
In contrast, London’s Barking and Dagenham was revealed to have the youngest population, with 7.88% of the local population under the age of four—45% higher than the UK average of 5.45%. Other areas with high percentages of young children include Slough (7.43%) and Luton (7.09%), both in the South East of England.
London continued to dominate the list of areas with the youngest populations, with Redbridge, Waltham Forest, and Newham all reporting that more than 6.8% of their populations are aged under four. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s counties of Armagh and Tyrone, where 6.78% of residents are under four years old, also made the top 10.
Top ten UK areas with the highest percentage of people aged under four:
| Rank | Region (Upper Local Authority Area) | Percentage under the age of 4 | Population under the age of 4 |
| 1 | Barking and Dagenham | 7.88% | 17,251 |
| 2 | Slough | 7.43% | 11,774 |
| 3 | Luton | 7.09% | 15,960 |
| 4 | Thurrock | 6.97% | 12,261 |
| 5 | Redbridge | 6.83% | 21,194 |
| 6 | Waltham Forest | 6.82% | 18,985 |
| 7 | Newham | 6.80% | 23,855 |
| 8 | Armagh | 6.78% | 13,184 |
| 9 | Tyrone | 6.78% | 12,776 |
| 10 | Oldham | 6.61% | 16,005 |
Commenting on the findings, Steve Case from Insurance Hero highlighted the growing need for tailored life insurance policies to meet the demands of both the young and elderly. “With an ageing population, life insurance plays a crucial role in providing financial security, particularly for covering medical costs and funeral expenses for older people. For families with young children, ensuring that life insurance protects your family’s future is just as vital.”
This study highlights the diverse demographic shifts occurring across the UK and underscores the importance of financial planning for both ends of the age spectrum.
