4827.0.55.001 - The Health of Older People, Australia, 2001  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 10/11/2004   
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ABOUT THIS RELEASE

With current interest in policy issues related to the ageing of the Australian population, older people aged 65 years and over are becoming a group of interest particularly in terms of health service availability and use, and disability. In addition, the ability, or otherwise, of older people to fund their own health costs is becoming increasingly important as the population ages and the proportion of people of working age decreases. The purpose of this paper is to outline the health status of older people , particularly in relation to long-term conditions, health service use, and disability, as well as private health insurance status, employment status and income range. Where possible, trends will be analysed over time.
The type of long-term conditions to be included are likely to be arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension and injuries. Other issues such as mental health, including dementia, and the use of pharmaceuticals may also be included. Analysis will take into account rural/remote differences where possible for some of the health issues and state/territory analysis.