In 2023, there were 76 female practicing physicians aged 75+ in the UK. The forecast from 2024 suggests a consistent year-on-year growth in their number, with a predicted increase to 103 by 2028. This represents a progressive annual growth rate, averaging a CAGR of 6.2% over this period. The increase from 2024 to 2025 is 6.2%, from 2025 to 2026 is 7%, from 2026 to 2027 is 6.5%, and from 2027 to 2028 is 5.1%. This upward trend indicates an expected increase in active older female physicians within the NHS.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of healthcare policy changes on retirement age, the appeal of part-time work in late career stages, and gender-specific retention strategies that could influence these numbers. Monitoring these factors will be vital for workforce planning and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services.