Tackling obesity in older Australians
Posted
by DPS
National Seniors representatives addressed the House of Representatives’ Inquiry into Obesity in Australia in Brisbane to alert the committee to the prevalence of obesity in the 55-59 year age group, and its impacts for the future.
Statistics show that older Australians are on average six to seven kg heavier than their counterparts some 20 years ago.
The prevalence of obese Australians approaching retirement is around 25-30%, which represents more than one in five.
The 55-59 year age group contains the largest number of obese people for both men (159,000) and women (203,000).
The National Seniors’ submission called for:
- improved access to community based physical activity facilities;
- better access to affordable and fresh food;
- the need for more primary and community based health care and;
- ensuring preventative health initiatives for older Australians are included in government planning.
