That people are living longer and longer in greater numbers is obviously good news and shows the progress our society is making in tackling health issues.

But the increasing elderly population does bring with it some tricky issues and problems that will have to be tackled.

A new report by NHS Bradford and Airedale and Bradford Council projects the number of people aged 90 or more to have trebled by 2030, from its current level of 2,800 to 8,700.

And the number of 85 to 89-year-olds will have increased by 85 per cent from 6,200 to 11,500.

Health and council bosses need to prepare for the increasing strain on resources in terms of health and social care.

The Meeting Changing Expectations report which has just been published invites people of all ages to comment on the strategy outlined in the document.

It is important as many people as possible take advantage of this opportunity and put forward their thoughts as this draft strategy is developed into a firmer long term plan.

After all, the issue of ageing is something that we all hopefully have to face in our lives.

But the most important thing is that the needs of our growing elderly population are paramount in any plans that are drawn up.

As much as possible needs to be done to give us all every opportunity to grow old gracefully and with dignity, no matter what health or social issues we have to face.

Addressing the needs of our increasingly senior population is a massive challenge for support agencies – and for society as a whole.

But is a challenge that should be embraced by everyone, as it is likely we all increasingly have more years of life to enjoy.