Aging issues and policies in Australia

Australia, along with many other countries, is experiencing demographic changes that are resulting in an increasing percentage of older people in the population. These changes are additional to the population surge known as the 'baby boomers.' Other factors producing demographic change are that Australians are living longer, the family size is decreasing, and women are having their first child much later in life. Issues arising from aging populations include providing 'aged-friendly' work-places and opportunities for older people to continue to work and otherwise maintain financial independence, an increased incidence of chronic illnesses, and growing demands for health care support. Aged and community care services have yet to embrace the potential of new technology and most services are labor-intensive. The usage of technological innovation will boost improvements in efficiency and productivity. The incidence of adverse events amongst the elderly population is massive and many of these could be reduced, or be more efficiently managed with technology. These issues include falls, medication errors, incontinence, cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and many other health needs. In Australia, community care involves a considerable amount of travel to visit clients. This need for travel could be reduced through the adoption of available Telehealth and Telecare technology