Survey says only 49% of residents think Newham is a good place to grow older

Fewer than half of Newham residents believe the borough is a good place to grow older, according to a new council survey. A concerning finding, as the area’s older population is expected to rise by 21% in the coming five years.

The Newham Residents Survey, carried out between November and December 2025, asked 1,523 people whether they thought Newham was a good place to grow old. Just 49% agreed.

The findings also revealed sharp differences between neighbourhoods.

Stratford and West Ham recorded the highest level of satisfaction, with 66 %of residents saying Newham was a good place to grow older. However, support was considerably lower elsewhere. In Forest Gate, only 39% agreed. The figure was 40%  in Manor Park, 41% in Custom House and Canning Town, and 45% in the Green Street area. Half of respondents in East Ham said Newham was a good place to grow older, while the figure rose slightly to 53% in Plaistow, Beckton and the Royal Docks.

The results come as the borough’s population aged 65 and over is forecast to increase by 21% between 2026 and 2031.

Speaking to Newham’s Health and Wellbeing Board on Monday, policy, research and partnerships manager Mairead Ryan suggested the differences could partly reflect local age demographics. 

She noted that while the borough’s older population is growing overall, the number of residents aged 65 and over in Canning Town and Custom House is expected to increase by 52.6% between 2024 and 2031.

Ryan said: “Perhaps there’s fewer older people in Stratford and West Ham, for example. It might be older people that are saying that Newham is a less good place to grow older.” She added that further research, including focus groups and interviews, may help explain the findings in greater detail. 

The survey also highlighted wider concerns among residents, with the cost of living and health services emerging as some of the biggest issues facing the borough.

According to the findings, 44% of respondents said they were “just about getting by financially”, while 9% said they were finding it difficult to manage. 4% reported skipping at least one meal during the previous two months because of financial hardship.

Labour Mayor Forhad Hussain said he wanted Newham to become a place where residents could age well and remain independent for longer. He said: “I want Newham to be a borough where people can age well, where older and disabled members of our community are supported to live independently in their own homes as long as possible.” He added: “Good health starts with good housing, secure employment, safer neighbourhoods and connected communities.”

The council says prevention and early support will remain central to its approach, including help with debt advice, mental health support and community wellbeing programmes.