The power of population is so superior to the power of the earth to produce subsistence for man, that premature death must in some shape or other visit the human race. So said Thomas Malthus at the end of the 18th century, and he can be forgiven for predicting global apocalypse, given that population growth looked to be accelerating very rapidly when compared with food production.
The rise in our ageing population is one of the most significant social challenges we face. By 2025, half the UK adult population will be aged 50 or over. This profound demographic shift will increase the numbers of people affected by social isolation and ill health.
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