For this task I have taken trends from the "Australian health report 2002". The groups which are going to be discussed which suffer inequities in Australia are the aged, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders, the socio-economically disadvantaged and people who live in rural and remote areas.
OLDER PEOPLE (aged 65 and over).
In 2001 there were 2.4 million aged 65 and over in Australia, and this number is projected to be 5.4 million in 2031. Also, declining mortality rates and increased life expectancy have led to an extended period of life which is spent in "old age", and greater acknowledgement of many different activities, opportunities and contributions which can characterise this phase of the life cycle.
Priority should be given to health promotion, prevention of disease and rehabilitation programs for older people. It also emphasises the importance of encouraging older people to remain active in their communities and hence to improve their health and well-being.
Since older people are increasing the percentage of Australian population they are more likely to suffer from cardio-vascular disease, are more at risk of dementia, need more nursing accommodation and require home care.
Broader social factors are also significant contributors to good health in old age. A lifetime of higher education, higher labour force participation and income, supportive and social environments, good medical care and superannuating entitlements contribute to better life chances in old age and thus a higher chance of maintaining good health.
MAIN CAUSES OF DEATH.
The main causes of death for both men and women aged 65 and over were diseases of the circulatory system, cancers and diseases of the respiratory system. Together, these three categories accounted for about three quarters of deaths among people aged 65 and over, although deaths from injury and poisonings are of particular interest, due to the common occurrence of falls in older people.
