Household and family projections until 2031
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released information on changing living arrangements and predicts major changes in the years ahead.
In 2006 there were 1.3 million people aged 75 years and over in Australia, representing 6% of the total population.
Over the period 2006 to 2031, this number is projected to more than double to 2.9 million people (10% of Australia’s population).
The report shows that living arrangements for older people are changing. In 2006, 43% (548,500 people) of older Australians were living with a partner; most of these (39%) were partners in couple only families while 4% were partners in couple families with children.
People living alone accounted for a further 31% (400,500) of older Australians while 13% (168,600) lived in non-private dwellings.
By 2031, the number of older Australians living with a partner is projected to increase to between 1.2 and 1.5 million people (42% and 52% of all people aged 75 years and over, respectively).
The number of people living alone is projected to increase to between 841,800 and 901,800, accounting for between 29% and 31% of older Australians.
