Scotland is failing to "future-proof" for a rapidly ageing population, a charity has warned.

Age Scotland has called for a national conversation on the challenges posed by the demographic shift, including the implications for housing, health, pensions and employment.

A report from the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) shows the population is ageing at a faster rate in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK while the population is growing at a slower rate and fertility, life expectancy at birth and net in-migration are all lower.

All council areas are expected to experience an increase in the proportion of population aged 75 and over between 2012 and 2022, but rural areas are most affected, at 50% in the Orkney Islands and West Lothian compared to less than 10% in Glasgow and Dundee.

SSAC warned that rises in the state pension age could "disproportionately" impact Scotland, resulting in a deprived population of people in their 60s who are not able to work but too young to access their pension.

The charity said more needed to be done to address the needs of older people.

Chief executive Brian Sloan said: "It's good news that people are living longer but we're concerned that Scotland is failing to plan ahead to future-proof its housing stock and workplaces, and tackle health inequalities.

"Too many older people are already stuck living in unsuitable accommodation and unable to move or downsize if they wish.

"We need to build more affordable, adaptable homes so that people are able to continue living independently in their communities.

"More of us are working longer, but many still face age discrimination and find their experience is not valued.

"We would like to see the Scottish Government and employers committing to an age-inclusive workplace strategy.

"This would include investing in training and providing flexible working options to reflect people's health and caring responsibilities.

"We also need to plan now to meet the health needs of this growing older population.

"For example, the number of Scots living with dementia will rise by 50% to more than 120,000 in the next two decades.

"Local authorities are already struggling to meet their commitments to health and social care, and more investment is clearly needed.

"This timely report sets out some of the challenges Scotland will face in the next decade. We hope it will lead to a nationwide conversation about how we can prepare for these changes and help everyone enjoy a healthy, productive, later life."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "It is good news that people in Scotland are living longer, but we must ensure our public services stand ready to meet the changing demographics. That is why we are taking action to ensure our policies across areas such as housing, integrated health and social care and employment reflect this, so that older people have the support and opportunities that they need.

"We recently undertook a programme of Financial Health Checks targeted at older people, offering a personalised service to maximise older people's incomes, and signpost to any specialist advice services they may need.

"Organisations such as Age Scotland are members of the Government's Older People's Strategic Action Forum, which is working with us to look at how health provision and housing can be improved, whether employment opportunities can be opened up, and what can be done in communities to improve the life of older people."