NI's population is ageing rapidly - this is what it means for society

Northern Ireland's population is ageing rapidly with the number of people aged 65 and above projected to overtake the number of children by 2027. The new projections from the NI Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) suggest the population will start falling in 2031 due to a low birth rate. There are projected to be more deaths than births in 2030 with that trend then continuing indefinitely. The Nisra projections also suggest that the relatively high level of immigration seen in recent years will settle at a lower level. Data for the UK as whole has already shown immigration falling from post-pandemic highs. As society ages, the demands on the health services change. A system originally built to provide episodic treatment is already struggling with increased demand from long-term conditions like dementia. That trend towards a greater proportion of patients who have multiple, chronic conditions will continue. Another challenge is that while life expectancy is increasing, "healthy life expectancy" is not keeping pace. An older general population also means a shrinking pool of younger, working-age people to train and recruit as nurses, doctors and care workers. Stormont's Department

Apr 28, 2026 → May 4, 2026