The United Kingdom, like much of the developed world, is experiencing a profound demographic shift.
By 2030, 1 in 6 people globally will be 60+ (WHO, 2024). By 2072, 1 in 4 people in the UK will be 65+ (Barton et al., 2024).
This ageing population brings a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, including:
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders (affecting 65–85% of older adults) (Wong et al., 2017)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Cognitive decline
An ageing society presents both challenges and opportunities.
On one hand, there is increased demand for healthcare services, higher hospitalisation rates, and greater pressure on social care systems.
On the other hand, older adults represent a cohort with significant potential for active, healthy ageing if given appropriate interventions.
Ensuring that this population maintains functional independence and quality of life is increasingly recognised as a priority for both policymakers and healthcare professionals.
Healthcare systems must adapt by shifting from reactive, disease-focused models to proactive, preventative, and holistic approaches, as reflected in the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan.
Integrating patient-centred, evidence-based strategies that address mobility, social engagement, and wellbeing can position the UK as a leader in ageing healthcare.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in an Ageing Society
Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal health and functional independence, making it ideally suited to support older adults.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) emphasises the importance of individualised care to:
“improve quality of life by reducing treatment burden and adverse events” (NICE, 2016).
Evidence-based benefits include:
- Pain reduction
- Improved mobility
- Enhanced quality of life (Bagagiolo et al., 2025; Narenthiran et al., 2024).
- Higher patient satisfaction compared with long-term reliance on prescription medications for low back pain (Kizhakkeveettil et al., 2021).
Older adults already make up a meaningful portion of chiropractic patients:
- In 2021, 1 in 7 adult chiropractic patients were over 65
- Nearly 60% presented with back problems; neck and lower limb issues were also common (de Luca et al., 2021).
Chiropractors are often primary-contact practitioners for musculoskeletal issues, providing assessment and management, including referral when appropriate.
They focus on maintaining musculoskeletal health through hands-on care, exercise prescription, and lifestyle advice, often collaborating with GPs and other healthcare professionals.
This multidisciplinary approach allows for regular reassessment and close monitoring, supporting improved pain control and overall quality of life.
Opportunities for the UK to Lead
The demographic shift towards an older population offers a chance to innovate in healthcare delivery.
Current care models are failing to close the gap in health inequalities:
Patients with these conditions living in more deprived areas typically present with more severe pain and disability and more complicated health needs than patients in more affluent neighbourhoods. (Versus Arthritis, 2025).
While not all chronic conditions are preventable, early intervention can mitigate progression and improve outcomes.
Chiropractors, working in multidisciplinary teams alongside GPs, physiotherapists, and other specialists, can:
- Conduct functional assessments
- Identify mobility limitations
- Implement tailored treatment plans
- Monitor progress with regular reassessment
By combining hands-on care, exercise, and lifestyle guidance, these interventions support strength, balance, self-management, and overall well-being, while reducing reliance on medications and hospital-based interventions (Grabowska et al., 2022; Narenthiran et al., 2024).
Integrated care alongside GPs, physiotherapists, and other specialists ensures plans are tailored to individual needs, with regular reassessment promoting effective pain control and improved quality of life.
This approach aligns with NICE guidance emphasising patient-centred strategies that reduce treatment burden and adverse events (NICE, 2016).
Social and Community Contributions
Chiropractors can also support social wellbeing by fostering community engagement.
Clinics can function as community hubs by offering:
- Group exercise sessions
- Workshops
- Wellbeing events
Collaborating with community centres, care homes, and voluntary organisations can further expand these networks, encouraging older adults to stay active and socially connected.
Challenges and Future Directions
The care of older adults presents unique challenges, given the high prevalence of comorbidities that can complicate the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions.
The World Health Organisation defines healthy ageing as:
“The process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.”
Chiropractors, as accessible musculoskeletal specialists, are well-positioned to contribute to this goal through early assessment, personalised care, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
While research is growing, further high-quality studies are needed to:
- Optimise care models
- Evaluate community-focused interventions
- Ensure equitable access for all older adults
By integrating clinical, preventive, and social strategies, the UK can lead internationally in delivering healthcare that supports active, independent, and socially connected ageing.
REFERENCES
- Bagagiolo, D., Persiani, M., Cicchitti, L., Vismara, L., Bruini, I., Mauro, A. and Buffone, F. (2025). Efficacy and safety of musculoskeletal manipulations in elderly population with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review. BMJ Open, [online] 15(6), p.e088655. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-088655.
- Barton, C., Sturge, G. and Harker, R. (2024). The UK’s changing population. [online] House of Commons Library. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-uks-changing-population/.
- de Luca, K., Hogg-Johnson, S., Funabashi, M., Mior, S. and French, S.D. (2021). The profile of older adults seeking chiropractic care: a secondary analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 21(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02218-6.
- Grabowska, W., Burton, W., Kowalski, M.H., Vining, R., Long, C.R., Lisi, A., Hausdorff, J.M., Manor, B., Muñoz-Vergara, D. and Wayne, P.M. (2022). A systematic review of chiropractic care for fall prevention: rationale, state of the evidence, and recommendations for future research. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05783-y.
- Holt-Lunstad, J. (2021). Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors: The Power of Social Connection in Prevention. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, [online] 15(5), pp.567–573. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276211009454.
- Kizhakkeveettil, A., Bezdjian, S., Hurwitz, E.L., Toler, A.W.J., Rossi, D., Uptmor, S., Sagester, K., Bangash, M., MacKenzie, T.A., Lurie, J.D., Coulter, I., Haldeman, S. and Whedon, J.M. (2021). Spinal Manipulation vs Prescription Drug Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: Beliefs, Satisfaction With Care, and Qualify of Life Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, [online] 44(8), pp.663–673. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2021.12.007.
- Narenthiran, P., Smith, I.G. and Williams, F.M.K. (2024). Does the addition of manual therapy to exercise therapy improve pain and disability outcomes in chronic low back pain: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.12.004.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2016). Multimorbidity: Clinical Assessment and Management | Guidance | NICE. [online] Nice.org.uk. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng56.
- Versus Arthritis (2021). Versus Arthritis: The State of Musculoskeletal Health 2021.
- Wong, A., Karppinen, J. and Samartzis, D. (2017). Low back pain in older adults: risk factors, management options and future directions. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, [online] 12(1), pp.1–23. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0121-3.
- World Health Organization (2024). Ageing and health. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health.