A related commentary discusses the study authors’ projections from this evidence. By 2035 it is anticipated that there will be an increase of 41% in the number of people aged 65 years or older who will be independent, a 56.5% increase in the number of people who will have a low level of dependency and a 61.5% increase in the number of people with a high level of dependency. Projections also anticipate an 84.5% increase in the number of residential care home places needed for those with high dependency. Expenditure on the care of older people will need to increase substantially and quickly. It will be important to ensure that this expenditure is managed efficiently, and in particular that the boundary between health care and social care is well handled.