In recent figures released by National Records of Scotland (NRS), the number of households of someone aged 70 and over is projected to increase by 58% compared to a rise of only 2% in those under 70.

Over the next 25 years, older people who live alone are also expected to rise by nearly 50%.

Age Scotland said older people will become more isolated and lonely if Scotland’s housing is not adapted and developed to deal with an ageing population.

Delia Henry, Age Scotland’s charity director, said: “These figures come as no surprise and should act as a wakeup call to government and councils across the country to the challenges ahead. Scotland is ageing to a greater extent than the rest of the UK and over the next twenty years almost a third of all Scots will be over 60, increasing to almost 1.8 million.

“Quite frankly, Scotland isn’t building enough homes to meet our rapidly ageing population. These need to include different sizes, type, tenure and locations.

“We know from our own research that older people wish to remain living independently in their own home in later life and adapt it to suit their needs rather than moving elsewhere. As people get older and health needs change it is vital that their homes are able to be adapted to suit their needs.

“It is important that the Scottish Government embed the housing needs of older people, particularly older single people, within the planning system.”

Age Scotland research has identified that more than 60% of older people own their own home and 48% of people aged 55 and above would prefer to stay and adapt their own homes, with 26% preferring to move to a home more suitable to their needs and things that are important to them as they get older.

The charity offers a free comprehensive housing guide which provides all housing options for people 50 plus living in Scotland.