A new report by the West Flemish provincial authorities and the Flemish Institute for the Sea shows a big increase in the number of people aged 80 and over in the towns and municipalities along the West Flemish coast. During the past 15 years the number of people 80 and over has increased by 38.3%. The West Flemish provincial cabinet member Jean De Bethune (Christian democrat) Told VRT News that “The coast remains an attraction for older people".
The population of West Flemish coastal towns and municipalities is getting older and older
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However, this brings with it a number of problems. First of all, we need to ensure that there are enough houses and flats that are equipped to cater for people over the age of 80. In addition to this an older population requires more care and support. In order to ensure that this can be provided, we need young people. Due to the housing shortage, young people are no longer willing to come to the coast to live”.
Mr De Bethune says that housing associations need to be set up to build affordable housing for younger people and their families. “We need to make the coast more attractive to young families so that they are able to come and live and work here."
More pensions, fewer people working
The figures also show that the local economy is also lagging behind at the coast. Between 2006 and 2022, the number of people in employment in the coastal municipalities rose by 4.7%. This is well below the average growth in West Flanders as whole (+10.6%) and for Flanders in general (+15.3%).
Mr De Bethune says that action needs to be taken to address this too. “The coast is more than just tourism and renewable energy. We also need to revitalise the local economy.”