Northamptonshire is situated in central England and is the 24th largest county by area and the 33rd by population.
Historically, Northamptonshire was famous for being the home of England's footwear manufacturing industry. Northampton Town football club are still known by the nickname "The Cobblers" and the most famous company in the county is still a shoe manufacturer, Dr. Martens.
As of the 2001 census there were 64,667 people aged over 70 living in Northamptonshire, approximately 10.3% of the total population. Within the region there are 222 residential care and nursing care homes providing services for older people and people with learning disabilities.