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A landmark blue paper developed by National Seniors Australia has likened population ageing to climate change.
But unlike climate change, the AdvantAGE Australia said that the ageing of the population is a relatively silent issue.
“While the cataclysmic predictions of climate change rightly dominate the national agenda, population ageing has slipped back from crisis discussions to being a mainstream issue – but one that requires increasing attention in the policy agenda.”
Much of the mainstream media’s reporting on the document has focused on proposals to push back retirement age and increase minimum superannuation contributions but the document also warned that significant changes are needed in health and aged care.
“While efforts are underway to reform health services delivery, it cannot be emphasised enough that the over 50s community has lost patience with the bickering that occurs between different levels of government, particularly regarding health issues,” the report said.
“Integration of health care provided by GPs, aged care facilities and hospitals, as well as reform of practices, is essential to ensure the seamless delivery of services and to overcome the current gaps in services that adversely affect the older patient.”
Looking specifically at aged care, the paper highlighted the need to address current staff shortages in aged care, proposing new career structures within the industry.
It also called on the government to improve preventative health strategies and the promotion of telehealth among older Australians.
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