How does a healthy, ageing population affect Australia’s health care system? - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 22 - 2023 - Paper 1

A healthy, ageing population can significantly influence Australia’s health care system in various ways. Firstly, if older individuals engage in regular exercise and maintain a nutritious diet, they are more likely to live independently for a longer duration, leading to a decreased demand for residential care facilities. This shift reduces the pressure on nursing homes and hospitals, which in turn can help lower governmental spending on healthcare infrastructure.

Moreover, with an increasing number of healthy seniors, the need for certain medical services can decline, resulting in more efficient allocation of resources within the healthcare sector. There can also be a positive impact on the workforce, as older adults who are healthy may contribute to the economy longer, thus enhancing the funding available for healthcare services.

Conversely, as the population over 65 years increases, there will be a growing demand for at-home support services. This could encompass a range of assistance such as housekeeping or meal preparation, necessitating an expansion and adaptation of existing health care support systems to cater to these needs.