MORE than a quarter of Mole Valley residents will be over 65 by 2031, figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal.

The office's Age Map shows that the proportion of Mole Valley residents who are pensioners is expected to rise to 27.8 per cent of the population in the next 20 years. As a result the district – which already has the county's highest population of over-65s – is going to face major challenges across a range of areas.

Rick Parish, chairman of Dorking and District Chamber of Commerce, said the figures highlight the need for local business to refocus their attention.

He added: "Businesses are going to have to think a lot more about what they're marketing and what they stock to cater for this growing market.

"They need to train staff who are geared towards serving older customers and a greater knowledge of what that sector needs."

David Carstairs of MNPA, a Leatherhead-based pension administrator, said: "As the retired population gets greater the working population is reducing, which is why there is so much pressure on the state pension system.

"There will be greater pressure on private company pension schemes as well but it is central government which will be hit the hardest."

But Dennis Wickham, chairman of Age Concern Mole Valley North, noted that not enough attention is paid to the wellbeing of older people. He said: "The fact remains that we are all living longer but we need to be living longer in an active and positive manner.

"For a lot of old people the only company they have is a TV in the corner. Living alone is a major problem we need to face up to."

Dr Hermione Lovel, a consultant in public health at NHS Surrey, agreed that the social and mental wellbeing of pensioners is a key priority for the health service.

She said: "One of the most important factors for maintaining good health as people get older is social contact.

"Having a good circle of family and friends really does play an important part in staying well. 'Active ageing', building activity into everyday life, is crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing."