The term ‘older people’ usually refers to those who are aged 65 or over, the age at which men can claim the state pension, although this is not a strict definition. For example, due to health problems or lifestyle factors such as alcohol misuse, people younger than 65 may require services or accommodation for older people. England has an ageing population with people living longer and low birth rates. In 2005, there were almost 9.4 million people over retirement age (18.5 per cent of the total population). It is projected that the proportion of people in this age group will continue to rise. By 2021, 10.6 million (or 19.4 per cent) will be in this age group – an increase of 13 per cent. The ethnic profile of older people is changing. By 2026, the older black and minority ethnic (BME) population in the UK will have doubled from 800,000 in 20044 to more than 1.8 million. Older people are a hugely diverse group. Some older people are amongst the most vulnerable and isolated in society. People over 65 are more likely than those from other age groups to have contact with friends or neighbors less than once a month. However, the majority of people over 65 lead independent, active lives. Older people are more likely than those in younger age groups to feel positive about the area they live in and are as likely as young people (aged 16 to 24) to participate actively in their communities for example through volunteering. Pensioners (women over 60 and men over 65) have a lower average income than other adult age groups, and are at higher risk of income poverty. Nineteen per cent of all pensioners (2 million) are in poverty before housing costs, and 17 per cent are in poverty after housing costs (1.8 million). The average median net income for all pensioners after housing costs in 2004/05 was £185 for couples and £138 for single pensioners. There are, however, big differences in the income levels of older people. People with private pensions and savings generally have much higher incomes than those who rely solely on state pensions. In 2004/05, almost 70 per cent of pensioner households depended on state benefits for at least half of their income.