Health and Wellbeing of Older People in the EMR
Inner East Primary Care Partnership (IEPCP) completed research about the Health and Wellbeing Needs of Older People Living in the Eastern Region of Melbourne in January 2017. Given an ageing population and the strong desire of older people to stay living independently in the community, the research collates data and grey literature from a range of sources on a number of health and wellbeing indicators.
Using the World Health Organisation definition of healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”, the research looks at indicators that measure the intrinsic capacity and environments of older people living in the eastern region of Melbourne:
- personal characteristics
- health characteristics
- health related behaviours
- lifestyle behaviours,
- social and community networks, and
- age friendly cities.
Some notable data about the eastern region:
- The number of 60 plus year olds is projected to increase by 37% from the 2011 Census figures to 295,000 by 2026;
- 24% of 60 plus year olds speak a language other than English at home;
- 76% of females over 75 years live alone;
- 38% of 60 plus year olds have completed post-secondary education;
- 28% of 70 plus year olds don’t meet the physical activity guidelines;
- 43% don’t meet the fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines;
- 17% of 60-79 year olds are classified as obese;
- 36% of those aged over 65 years need assistance with one or more activities;
- 12% have a severe or profound disability;
- There are over 9,000 people aged over 65 years who care for someone who needs assistance;
- 21% of 60-79 year olds volunteer;
- 8 in 10 people over 60 years are affiliated with a religion (primarily Christianity).
The IEPCP encourages agencies and individuals to use the research for planning and to support collaborative work in the region to improve the health and wellbeing of older people.
Organisations: Eastern Health, Boroondara Council, Baptcare, Carrington Health, DHHS, Doncare, Donwood, EACH, EMPHN, Knox Council, Life Assist, Link Health and Community, Manningham Council, Maroondah, Council, Migrant Information Centre, Yarra Ranges Council, St Vincents Health, This Day & Age, Whitehorse Council, Inner East Primary Care Partnership
