Living longer and disability free
Older Australians are living longer and, on average, getting more years of life without severe or profound limitations to their basic daily activities, according to a report released recently by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Older Australians are living longer and, on average, getting more years of life without severe or profound limitations to their basic daily activities, according to a report released recently by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report, Changes in life expectancy and disability in Australia 1998 to 2009, shows between 1998 and 2009, life expectancy at birth has risen from 75.9 years to 79.3 years for males, and from 81.5 years to 83.9 years for females, with almost all of the increase being disability free years.
“Australian boys born in 2009 could expect to live an average 61.6 years without disability and another 17.7 years with disability, including 5.5 years with severe or profound activity limitation,” AIHW spokesperson, Brent Diverty, says.
Compared to the boys, Australian girls can reportedly expect to live an average 64.3 years without disability and 19.6 years with disability.
Australians already aged 65 years in 2009 may live longer without severe or profound activity limitations.
“The downside to Australians living longer is that, as the population ages, there is expected to be a greater number of older Australians living with disability,” Mr Diverty claims.
“We expect to see an increasing number of older people in the community with disability and severe or profound activity limitation.
“But it is important to remember disability does not necessarily equate to poor health or illness.”
