These statistics show a comparison to the main causes of death in the Australian institute of health and welfare report in 1998. This report showed that stroke was the third most prevalent cause of death for people aged 65 and over whereas the new health report shows that stroke is no longer a large percentage mortality causer. .
TABLE 4.6 MAJOR CAUSES OF DEATH IN OLDER PEOPLE.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT INSLANDER AUSTRALIANS.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders suffer a great burden of ill health than other Australians. Indigenous people are more likely to experience disability and reduced quality of life due to ill health, and die at younger ages. Census data indicate that the indigenous population is disadvantaged across a range of socio-economic factors that have an impact on health outcomes. In 1996, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples reported lower incomes than Australians, higher rates of unemployment, poorer education outcomes and lower rates of ownership. However socio-economic status alone does not explain the variations in health status that exist between Indigenous and other Australians. Health risk behaviours (for example; smoking and alcohol misuse.) and other health risk factors (for example; poor housing, exposure to violence) are also important determinants of health, but even these do not fully explain the differential burden of disease between population groups. Research suggests that the social environment partially explains health outcomes, including the immediate local or neighbourhood environment, social connections with friends, family and the community.
The estimated life expectancy at birth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males and females is 19-20 years lower than for the other Australians. In comparison with Australia's health 1998 from The Australian institute of Health And Welfare, life expectancy of the total indigenous population in relation to the total Austrlain population still remains a 19-20 year gap.
