It is easy to find out true figures for things from the last Census which is why it is lazy of Media outlets to get it wrong.
You can find the Office for National Statistics website here at Nomisweb Type Sidmouth in the search box and you will be able to choose which Ward you want to view. The statistics make interesting reading. Below are the extracts for age ranges. Does the higher percentage of over 85s in Sidmouth Town reflect the accommodation available, eg housing limited to over 50s? Go to the link above to compare housing and many other interesting facts.
Sidmouth Sidford, and comparison with East Devon and UK in general.
Sidmouth Rural
Sidmouth Town
Or you can see it on the EDDC website
You can even see what percentage of people are in good health!