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Mature Age Statistical Profiles

Over recent years the issues associated with the structural ageing of the population have received increased attention by governments and researchers. Broad issues affecting the ageing population include ensuring adequate retirement incomes, labour force participation, healthy ageing, and provision of community support, health services and aged care. Challenges in relation to population ageing include improving the capacity of older people for work, through better education and health; identifying better incentives for people to remain in the labour force, and improved flexibility in the workplace.

Mature age persons (those aged 45–64 years) have been identified as a key population group in terms of policy development to address these challenges. A series of Mature Age Statistical Profiles - (cat. no. 4905.0.55.001) have been produced to provide an insight into the characteristics of mature age persons.

Population and Cultural Diversity
This profile focuses on the demographic characteristics, geographic distribution and cultural diversity of the mature age population.

Labour Force
This profile focuses on the labour force characteristics of mature age people. It describes current labour force participation compared to twenty years ago and for those employed, looks at hours of worked, type of employment and the industries and occupations where they are employed. It also describes the extent to which their labour may be underutilised.

Health
This profile provides a picture of the health status of the mature age population. It provides a measure of those who are experiencing illness or disability; have recorded risk factors; and are using health services.

Housing
This profile draws data from the 2002-03 Survey of Income and d Housing (SIH) and examines the housing characteristics, household income and housing costs of the mature age population.

Education and Training
This profile presents information about the education and training experience of mature age persons. Information is drawn from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Education and Work, 2004 and the Survey of Education and Training, 2001.

Community Life
This profile focuses on the community life aspects of the mature age population, focusing on factors that impact on social and community participation. It draws on data from the General Social Survey (GSS) conducted by the ABS in 2002.

Living Arrangements
This profile presents information on the family and household structure of mature age persons. Detailed examination of the dwelling and structures, people and relationships and the quality aspects of living arrangements are discussed. It draws primarily on data from the Census of Population and Housing.