The number of people who could benefit from having stairlifts in Newcastle is hard to quantify exactly, but there is plenty of data to indicate that the number is large and likely to both have risen in recent years and be set to go on doing so.
It is useful to be aware of this if there is a chance you need a stairlift. According to the 2021 Census, the population in Newcastle has climbed to 300,000, up 7.1 per cent on the 2011 figures. This represents a much larger increase than the North East as a whole, where the growth was only 1.9 per cent. Indeed, some neighbouring districts, such as Gateshead, saw their population fall.
While many factors will have contributed to this growth, such as employment opportunities and people coming to study, the fact is the population has still got older faster than it has got larger. The rise in the number of over-65s was 15.2 per cent.
Moreover, Newcastle City Council projects that the number of over-65s is set to rise further, from around 43,000 in 2018 to more than 55,000 by 2043.
Being older is one indicator of an increased need for mobility aids, but it is not the only one, as many younger and middle-aged folk have disabilities.
The council noted that the 2021 snapshot identified 19 per cent of the city’s population has having disabilities that limit daily activities, with most but by no means all in the older age groups. While far from all of these will be mobility-related, it does indicate that many will need some extra help getting about.
It is important to note that, whatever the precise number who need stairlifts, it will not be a small one. Many will have a stairlift already and others might be struggling but likely to benefit from having one in the years ahead. If you have been advised you could benefit from one, do not feel awkward about it; you will be in very good company indeed.
