Not only is the UK’s population increasing, it is also ageing (Barton et al, 2024). Men make up 45.8% of the current population in England and Wales, which is approximately  62 million. In 2022, 19% of the population were aged over 65, but this figure is projected to double over the next 50 years. By contrast, 50 years ago, those aged  over 65 made up 13% of the population (Office for National Statistics [ONS], 2025).