Government inaction is a concern
Change may be on the horizon as a new generation of research is reportedly showing that the processes of ageing can be improved, but a lack of government action may be jeopardising the process.
Change may be on the horizon as a new generation of research is reportedly showing that the processes of ageing can be improved, but a lack of government action may be jeopardising the process.
Professor Hal Kendig, director of ageing, at the University of Sydney, believes research shows how earlier social interventions can yield returns later in life through generating greater independence, health and productivity.
Professor Kendig says deep-seated ageism is at the “core of our culture and at the heart of an unproductive government approach to healthy ageing”.
“Part of this could involve understanding psychosocial influences on health to guide health promotion and encourage independence and wellbeing. The problem is doctors have limited time to work with patients to change the behaviours that often contribute to the onset of chronic disease and poor quality of life,” he says.
However, he adds little government action is being taken in response to studies that show the inadequacy of a policy approach that only focuses on chronic disease and aged care in middle and later life.
Professor Kendig alleges while the Productivity Commission Report on Caring for Older Australians, released in August, commends the “wellness approach”, progress in recommending ways to implement that approach has so far been limited.
