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Carbon Footprint of the over 50s

Older people are making up an increasing proportion of the UK population. Individuals aged 50 and over represent approximately 20 million people (33%). They possess an estimated 80 per cent of the UK?s private wealth, 60 per cent of its savings and 40 per cent of its disposable income.

By 2031 over 50s are expected represent approximately 40 per cent of the UK population (27.2 million).

The over 50s are a diverse group. Many are fit and active and are enjoying the fruits of their labour. However, others are poor, frail and require care with issues of health, mobility, poor transport and lack of finance acting as barriers to a truly active lifestyle. Ageing and changing household structure can result in changing patterns of consumption, differing purchasing characteristics and expectations of customer service.

The Affluent Greys

Collectively the over 50s have a disposable income of £175 billion (30 per cent more than under 50s). As people grow older they generally spend more time at home and participate in a range of leisure activities which have implications for energy use and carbon emissions.

Carbon Footprint of the over 50s (by age group)

Our lifestyle choices and consumption patterns have an impact on the planet. Home energy, personal travel, food and goods generate waste and polluting emissions and are a major cause of environmental degradation and global climate change.

A per capita analysis of the carbon footprint of the UK by age shows that the over 50s have a high carbon footprint.

The Baby Boomers

The baby boomers (aged 50 to 64) include individuals born in the period 1946 to 1964. On average individuals in this age group emit 13.52 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita each year.

The Seniors

The seniors (aged 65-74) emit the second highest emission at 12.10 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita/year compared to other age groups.

The Elders

The elders (aged 75+) share many of the characteristics of the seniors. The elders have a carbon footprint of 11.10 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita/year.