Healthy Ageing: Tips, Challenges, and Support in North Queensland
Contents
- Australia's Ageing Population
- Defining ‘Old Age’ in Australia
- Health Challenges of Ageing
- Support from Pharmacies
- Tips for Maintaining Independence in Old Age
- Healthy Ageing Strategy
- Understanding the Context of Healthy Ageing in North Queensland
- Key Health Issues in North Queensland
Australia's Ageing Population
Australians are living longer, and the country has an ageing population. In 2014, 15% of the population (3.5 million people) were aged 65 and over. By 2054, this is projected to increase to 21% (or 8.4 million people).
Defining ‘Old Age’ in Australia
What is ‘old age’? Younger and older Australians have different perspectives on ageing. Younger Australians see it as a number, while older Australians feel it is influenced by social, emotional, and relational elements. Many people over 65 do not feel the term applies to them, as the horizon of ‘old age’ shifts as they age.
Officially, Seniors Cards are provided to people aged 60 years or older who work limited hours. Health professionals generally consider individuals aged 65+ as older Australians.
Health Challenges of Ageing
Increased lifespans often lead to health challenges such as arthritis, dementia, and hearing loss. However, many older Australians consider themselves in good health, which allows them to enjoy a good quality of life and participate in the community through volunteering or caregiving.
Those aged 85+ often need more assistance, especially with cognitive and emotional tasks, as these needs are four times greater than those of people aged 65–84.
Support from Pharmacies
Your local pharmacy can help older Australians maintain their health and independence by offering:
- Mobility aids
- Prescription medicines
- Medication management services such as Dose Administration Aids, Home Medicines Review, MedsCheck, and Diabetes MedsCheck
- Compression garments
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Services to help lose weight and quit smoking
- Home delivery services for added convenience and independence
Visit your local pharmacy today to explore their wide range of products, services, and advice tailored to your needs. Contact us for more information.
Tips for Maintaining Independence in Old Age
As we age, maintaining independence becomes a top priority for many. Independence not only boosts self-esteem and confidence but also contributes significantly to physical and mental well-being. Here are some practical tips to help seniors stay independent and enjoy a fulfilling life.
- Encourage Decision Making: Allow seniors to make choices about their daily lives to foster a sense of control and autonomy.
- Promote Physical Activity: Regular exercise, like walking or yoga, maintains strength and reduces fall risks.
- Adapt the Living Environment: Modify homes with grab bars, improved lighting, and assistive devices for safety and accessibility.
- Foster Social Connections: Encourage participation in community groups or hobbies to combat loneliness and isolation.
- Support Cognitive Health: Engage in brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills.
- Provide Assistive Devices: Use tools like hearing aids or mobility scooters to make daily tasks easier.
- Encourage Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports overall health.
- Offer Emotional Support: Regular check-ins and counseling can help seniors feel valued and supported.
Maintaining independence in old age is achievable with the right strategies and support. By encouraging decision-making, promoting physical and cognitive health, adapting living environments, and fostering social connections, seniors can enjoy a fulfilling and independent life.
Healthy Ageing Strategy
The Healthy Ageing in North Queensland Strategy 2020-2030 outlines a comprehensive plan to enhance the well-being of older adults in North Queensland. You can read the full strategy here. Here are some key points from the strategy:
- Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Encouraging physical activity, balanced nutrition, and regular health check-ups to maintain physical and mental health.
- Enhancing Social Connections: Fostering community engagement and social interactions to combat loneliness and isolation among seniors.
- Improving Access to Services: Ensuring that older adults have access to necessary health and social services, including transportation and housing support.
- Supporting Independence: Implementing measures to help seniors maintain their independence, such as home modifications and assistive technologies.
- Addressing Ageism: Promoting positive attitudes towards ageing and combating stereotypes and discrimination against older adults.
Understanding the Context of Healthy Ageing in North Queensland
As at 2017, the Townsville HHS catchment population was just over 240,000 residents, with approximately 77% of the population residing in Townsville. The current population projections predict an increase to 348,000 residents by 2036. Although overall population growth has slowed due to reduced economic and social factors, the population of older people in Townsville HHS is projected to increase rapidly.
Approximately 8% of the Townsville HHS population are aged 70 years and over, and this cohort is predicted to increase at an annual growth rate of 4.1%, much higher than the total population growth rate of 1.5%. By 2036, it is projected that there will be almost 50,000 people aged 70 and over living in Townsville HHS, accounting for 14% of the total population. This demographic shift will have significant effects on the future economy, population health status, and community composition.
The ageing population will impact the health system, leading to an increase in service demand for older people with frailty, chronic diseases, and neurological conditions. A response to these impacts requires Townsville HHS to adapt the design and delivery of services to ensure the most effective and efficient care, particularly by offering more personalized and home-based services tailored to the preferences of older people.
This includes improving care for vulnerable older patients, especially those facing additional challenges accessing healthcare, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, those living in Rural and Remote communities, and people with disabilities.
Key Health Issues in North Queensland
The 85+ age group is projected to demonstrate the highest growth rate at 8.4% per year. Remote areas within the Townsville HHS region will have higher rates of ageing populations. The general population growth rate is 1.5% per year, while the growth rate for people aged 70+ is 4.1% per year.
The burden of disease is concentrated among the older population, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disabilities. One in five people aged 65 and over experience one or more chronic diseases. The most common of these conditions are arthritis, hearing problems, cataracts, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. These factors, together with dementia, contribute to the increasing reliance on health services.
Over the next few decades, Townsville HHS expects to see a considerable increase in the demand for services for older Australians due to the growing number of people living longer and needing more personalized health services.
