Surrounded by the sea and golden sands, Alderney—the northernmost of the Channel Islands—is facing a pressing challenge.
With just over 2,000 residents, the island’s ageing population has raised concerns about its future. Locals worry that limited job opportunities, expensive travel, and a lack of activities are driving young people away.
“If we can’t retain the younger generation, we’ll struggle to support the older one,” said charity worker Barbara Benfield. A lifelong resident of Alderney and head of the island’s Age Concern charity, Benfield highlighted how essential charities and goodwill are in meeting elderly residents’ needs. Speaking during a bingo night, she warned of rising long-term healthcare costs and a looming financial crisis unless action is taken.
A major concern is that young people who leave for work opportunities rarely return, even after starting their own families. Benfield suggested making homeownership more accessible to encourage younger generations to stay. “They are the people the older generation and the island itself depend on,” she emphasized.
The 2023 States of Alderney census recorded a population of 2,167, with 45% classified as dependent—either under 16 or of pension age. The number of dependents per 100 working-age people had increased to 83, up from 68 a decade ago. By comparison, in England and Wales, those over 66 make up less than 18% of the population. In Alderney, only 9% of residents were under 16 in 2023.
Healthcare providers warn that the island must prepare for the growing elderly population. Liz Bowskill, head of Connaught Care, which runs a residential home and home-care services, has seen demand for support increase. She cautioned that service gaps and waiting lists could become a reality.
Alderney’s ageing demographic is unique, with many retirees moving there without family support. “You can only rely on neighbors and community care for so long,” Bowskill warned. While the island is an attractive retirement destination, she stressed the need for sufficient resources to meet future care demands.
Meanwhile, younger residents like filmmaker Cameron Cairnduff, 32, have observed a decline in Alderney’s vibrancy. Having traveled the world for work before returning home, he noted that the island appeared to be “falling apart,” with vacant businesses and few young people willing to take over. He argued that the older demographic’s preference for a quieter life made Alderney less appealing to the younger generation, who seek job opportunities and entertainment.
The Corder family also feels the strain. Ian Corder, 37, cited the high cost and unreliable nature of travel as a major frustration. A short return flight to Guernsey costs nearly £200, with unpredictable service. His wife, a veterinarian who has lived in Alderney most of her life, added that one of her closest friends recently left with her two children for better opportunities in Guernsey.
Edward Hill, who recently topped the poll in Alderney’s States election, warned that urgent changes were needed. “I’ve lost four families in the past two months alone, with nine children between them,” he said. Without intervention, he fears the population will become unsustainably unbalanced, jeopardizing essential services. “We won’t be able to run the island,” he cautioned.
While some argue that Alderney’s older population is not a direct financial drain, as many retirees have private pensions, Bill Abel, chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee, acknowledged that healthcare remains a significant challenge. He emphasized the need for younger residents and suggested improving job prospects and transportation—such as upgrading the runway—to attract them.
One potential solution lies in renewable energy, with discussions underway about offshore wind and tidal power projects. “Until we improve our infrastructure, attracting people here will remain a challenge,” Abel concluded.
