PDHPE HSC Enrichment Day 2010 Core 1: Health Priorities in Australia

Overview

A Growing and Ageing Population Life expectancy has increased by more than 25 years since Federation Population projections for Australia show that the ageing of our population will continue

Healthy Ageing Healthy ageing describes the ongoing activities & behaviours you undertake to reduce the risk of illness and disease and increase your physical, emotional and mental health. It also means combating illness and disease with some basic lifestyle realignment that can result in a faster and more enduring recovery. (PM’s Science, Engeneering & Innovation Council)

Increased Population Living With Chronic Disease and Disability Population ageing tends to result in increased disability prevalence because the risk of disability is greater in older age groups. The prevalence of chronic disease will significantly increase with the ageing of the population. WHO predicts that by 2020, chronic disease will account for nearly 75% of all deaths.

Demand for Health Services Demand for health services is expected to increase

Impact of a Growing and Ageing Population on the Health System and Services. Increase in treatment costs Increased government expenditure Increased demand for health services

Workforce Shortages Today the dependency ratio is five working people per person over 65, by 2041 it is projected to shrink to 2.5 working people per person over 65. Research shows that some time after 2010 there will be more Australians retiring from the labour force than joining the labour force. This is because of the ageing of the baby boom generation.

Impact of a Growing and Ageing Population on the Health Service Workforce Those working in health are currently among the oldest workers in Australia. While the average age of all Australian workers has increased by 2.8 years over the last two decades, the average age of workers in health services has risen by 5.5 years. In 2002, a Senate inquiry into nursing found that “the shortage of qualified staff (in aged care) has now reached a crisis point”.

Availability of Carers and Volunteers A – aged care rights serviceN – nursing homes B – Benevolent society O – oxley home care C – carers australiaP – presbyterian aged care D – dial an angelA – Q care E – eldercare R – red cross F – flexi support home services S – salvation army G – golden threads nursing service T – the smith family H – helping hand aged careU – uniting care I – inner west program V – vinnies J – jewish centre for ageing W – wesley mission K - kindercareX – xtra care equipment L - lifeline Y – your choice home care M – meals on wheels Z - ???

Impact of a Growing and Ageing Population on Carers of the Elderly

Impact of a Growing and Ageing Population on Volunteer Organisations BenefitsChallenges Elderly Restraints Increased Demand Regional Areas Sporting Organisations Knowledge Best Practice Standards Skilled Volunteers