By Mark Coupar
I was recently reading an article in the paper about how as community we need to seriously look at how our society will be reshaped as our population ages.
Australians are getting older faster, as the baby boomers start reaching retirement age. Figures indicate that by 2026 over 22% of our population will have reached this age, which is up from 8.3% back in the 70’s.
By 2050, a quarter of Australians will be over 65. Our government spend is approx. $10 billion a year on the aged care sector, with two-thirds of this on residential aged care.
The main issue for our elderly population is poor communication, lack of choice and control of their own decisions.
Demand for care and support staff in this sector with pay and conditions the biggest issue in the near future.
There is so much more that can be said on this subject and I think people are starting to take notice and action.
