Carers over the age of 80 ‘becoming more numerous’

A new study has shed light on the growing number of elderly people who are being relied upon to provide care in the UK.

The Age UK study indicated that the number of people in their 80s or older who are acting as carers has risen considerably in the last seven years, with around one in seven of those in this age group having to take on such responsibilities.

More than half of those in this position are having to provide care for more than 35 hours per week, leading many to feel exhausted and unsure as to how they will continue.

In 2009, it was estimated that 301,000 people in their 80s were carers, but this has now risen to around 417,000 – an increase of nearly 40 percent.

According to Age UK, the increase in the average age of the population has a part to play in this, but a lack of state support is exacerbating the problem.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "As public funding falls further and further behind the growing demand for care, we worry that very old people are being expected to fill the gap."