Older Australians have not escaped the obesity epidemic that is
sweeping Australia and the world, according to a new study by the
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Obesity Trends in Older Australians is the first national
obesity study to focus on older Australians rather than adults
generally. Looking at age groups from 55 onwards, it shows that
older men and women are 6-7 kg heavier on average than their
counterparts 20 years ago-the equivalent of 12-14 medium-sized tubs
of margarine.
There has also been a trebling in 20 years of those older
Australians who are obese (markedly overweight), from 310,000 in
1980 to 940,000 in 2000. This is more than one in five of
Australia's older people, with one-third of the increase in number
being the result of an ageing population and two-thirds due to an
increase in obesity rates.
Report author Dr Stan Bennett said a surprising finding in the
report was that Australians in their 50s are continuing to gain
weight as they gain years, at least into their mid-70s.
'The effect of this obesity epidemic has far exceeded any
natural tendency that may exist for older Australians to lose
weight as they age.
''The waist circumference of older Australians has also
increased-abdominal obesity is common among those in their early
50s, but it becomes even more common among older age groups.'
Dr Bennett emphasised that obesity carries clear health risks at
all ages, and age itself carries some well-known health risks.
'The growing number of obese older Australians comprise a group
who are now especially at risk from chronic diseases like type 2
diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, some cancers,
osteoarthritis and kidney disease. As well, obesity can affect
their independence in performing their daily living tasks, their
mobility, their social lives and their mental health.'
'With the number of obese older Australians now approaching 1
million, there are clearly plenty of challenges here for productive
and healthy ageing, as well as implications for health and aged
care services, and for carers and their wellbeing.
'Health Ministers have asked the National Obesity Taskforce to
advise on strategies to reduce obesity in adults and older
Australians. The Taskforce's recommendations will be very important
as more of the baby boomer generation move into their 50s and
beyond'.
12 February 2004
Further information: Dr Stan Bennett, AIHW,
tel. 02 6244 1141, or 0407 915 851 (mobile)
For media copies of the reports: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. 02 6244 1032
Availability: Check the AIHW
Publications Catalogue for availability of Obesity Trends
in Older Australians AIHW Bulletin 12 - February 2004.