ABS celebrates the day of older persons, Oct 1999

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MEDIA RELEASE

October 1, 1999
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
115/1999

ABS celebrates the day of older persons

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has marked the Ninth International Day of Older Persons by releasing a brochure of statistics on older people.

Key findings from Taking Account of Older Australians are:
  • Australia's population is ageing with 2.3 million Australians (or 12% of the population) in 1998 aged 65 years and over. By 2051 the number of older people is projected to rise to 6 million (or 24% of the population).
  • Life expectancy is increasing. Females born in 1995-97 can expect to live to 81 and males to 76 years of age.
  • Living with family is important. In 1996, 63% of people aged 65 years and over were living in family households, mostly with their partners.
  • Older people have greater recreation and leisure opportunities. In 1997 older people (aged 65 years and over) spent about a fifth of their week in leisure activities including TV watching, reading and participating in sport and outdoor activities.


As well as presenting information on population, health and nutrition, families, households and care, employment and income security, and social participation, leisure and safety; the brochure also lists the wealth of information available on older people from different ABS publications and services.

Taking Account of Older Australians is available from this site or at ABS bookshops in all capital cities.