3235.5 - Population by Age and Sex, Western Australia, Jun 2000  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 29/06/2001  Ceased
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MEDIA RELEASE

June 29, 2001
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
84/2001

Surge in number of older people in WA

There has been a surge in the number of people aged 85 and over in Western Australia, with women outnumbering men by more than 2-1, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released today.

This age group experienced an increase of 5.6% in WA in the 12 months ending June 2000 and 31% in the five years to that date. In June 2000, there were more than twice as many females (14,967) as males (6,741) aged 85 and over in WA, reflecting the greater life expectancy of women.

In the 65-and-over age group the numbers rose by 2.3% in WA in the year to June 2000, compared with 1.7% nationally. This group accounted for 11% of the State's population. Although they represented a smaller proportion of the population than either children aged up to 14 years (21%) or the "working population" aged 15-64 years (68%), they constituted the fastest growing age group in WA. This growth reflects the increased life expectancy of the population and the State's declining total fertility rate.

The largest proportions of people aged 65 and over were found in the southwest corner of the State. Both the Lower Great Southern and the South West Statistical Divisions had 13% of their population in the 65-and-over age group. By contrast, the Pilbara and Kimberley statistical divisions in WA's far north had only 2% and 4% of their respective populations in this age group.

At the statistical local area level, the highest concentrations of people aged 65 and over occurred in Tammin and Albany - Central and in the older established areas of Perth, notably Claremont and Victoria Park. In all these areas the proportion of people in this age group was more than 18%.

Further details are in Population By Age and Sex, Western Australia (cat. no. 3235.5). If you wish to purchase a copy of this publication contact the ABS Bookshop in your capital city.