Recent analysis released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed more than half of baby boomers (50.4 per cent) had a long-term health condition reported in the 2021 Census.
Baby boomers (aged 55-74 years) represented 21.5 per cent of the Australian population.
According to the 2021 Census, baby boomers accounted for more than one third (34.2 per cent) of those who had at least one long-term health condition.
Statistician Dr David Gruen AO said that the data offers important insights for the planning and delivery of health care services across Australia. He observed:
“For the first time, provides a snapshot of these long-term health conditions for every community across Australia.”
Further, Dr Gruen said:
“The insights from the analysis about household income of people living with long term health conditions, or their cultural and/or linguistic backgrounds are similarly useful, as this impacts their ability to afford and access health care services.”
As per the data, most reported long-term health conditions varied between various states and territories.
Mental health was the most reported condition in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. While, Asthma was a widely reported condition in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania it was arthritis, and in the Northern Territory.
Data also shows more than half (51.5 per cent) of people living in lone person households had a long-term health condition compared to 29.4 per cent of those living in other types of households.
Dr Gruen is hopeful that with such set of data Australians will be able to receive the required help. He said:
“By providing a picture of how Australians are living with long-term health conditions – where they live, whether they live alone, and whether they’re living with multiple conditions – we’re helping build a better understanding of the complex needs of people seeking health services.”
This long-term health information, captured in the 2021 Census, is now being analysed with other Census information, including the type of illnesses reported in each state and territory and what co-morbidities are most common.
