The National Records of Scotland (NRS) has predicted that the number of households is projected to rise by 317,000 between 2016 and 2041. Single-person homes are expected to grow from 36% to 41% of all households over the same period.

The number of households headed by someone aged 70 or over is projected to increase by 58%, compared to an increase of just 2% for those under 70. Older people are more likely to live alone than younger people, and the number of people aged 70 and over living alone is projected to increase by 49% over the next 25 years, to 146,000 men and 247,000 women.

The gender difference reflects women’s greater life expectancy and tendency to outlive their partners.

Anne Slater, the National Records of Scotland acting chief executive and registrar general, said: “The figures published today by National Records of Scotland show a projected 317,000 extra households in Scotland in 2041 compared to 2016. This is partly because Scotland’s population is projected to increase in this period, but also because of our ageing population. Older people are more likely to live alone than younger people, and as more people live alone or in smaller households, the number of households will rise at a faster rate than the population.”