Overview

Australia's older generation (those aged 65 and over) continues to grow and is projected to more than double by 2057. The ageing of the population creates both pressures and opportunities for Australia's health and welfare sectors.

More reports and statistics on older people can be found under Aged care, Dementia, Life expectancy & deaths and Palliative care services.

Latest findings

In 2017, over 1 in 7 Australians were aged 65 years and over In 2016, 1 in 8 older people were engaged in employment, education or training In 2014–16, Australian men aged 65 could expect to live another 20 years and women another 22 years In 2016, 1 in 3 older people were born overseas; the majority of these were born in a non-English speaking country

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Highlights

15%of Australians (3.7 million) were aged 65 and over in 2016; expected to grow to 22% (8.7 million) by 2056
93%of people aged 65 and over did not smoke in 2014–15
41%of people aged 65 and over reported being sufficiently active in the previous week
2 in 3older Australians did not use aged care services in 2014–15
51%of people aged 65 and over were fully vaccinated in 2014–15
76%of older Australians owned their own home in 2013–14