The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales commissioned Miller Research in January 2025 to undertake a literature review on older people without children. The number of older adults without children in the UK is rising, with projections suggesting an increase from 1.2 million (aged 65+) in 2025 to 2 million by 2030, and a tripling of those over 80 without children by 2045.1 As a result, it is useful to consider the unique set of needs of this large demographic of individuals in the context of existing literature.  

The review defines older people without children broadly and includes those who cannot depend on their children for support due to factors like estrangement, or circumstances. The research used a desk-based approach, creating a literature matrix in Excel to categorise themes such as policy, best practices, and challenges. A ‘snowballing approach’ identified 65 relevant sources, which were analysed using mind-mapping software to structure the report thematically. 

A summary of the report is available on the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales’ website: https://olderpeople.wales/news/new-report-sets-out-challenges-faced-by-people-growing-older-without-children/ 

The report will also form the basis of a webinar, to be held in September 2025, which will feature a summary of the report, a presentation by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, and first hand experiences of older people without children.