LONDON - London will be the fastest growing region in population in Britain over the next decade to make it the capital of people aged 65 and over, according to population figures released Thursday.

The latest population statistics showed that the increase will be down to natural growth, and not migration.

London's population of 8.8 million is projected to grow by nine percent from mid-2016 to mid-2026.

By 2026, the British capital will have the fastest increase in population in the country of those aged 65 and over, although a higher proportion of those will be economically active.

Andrew Nash of the British Office for National Statistics said, "What's clear is that the population is ageing in all regions, with the number aged 65 and over growing considerably faster than younger age groups."