Calls Grow for Larger Share of Health Funding to Go to Healthy Ageing
Published
Helping older Australians stay healthy, independent and connected should be a government priority, according to a recent news report. The report argues that healthy ageing needs a bigger share of the country's health funding.
The report points to new figures showing that less than three cents of every health dollar is spent on healthy ageing. Supporters of the idea say that this small share does not match the needs of an older population. Australia has a growing number of people aged 65 and over, and many of them live with long-term health conditions.
Healthy ageing covers a range of services and programs. These include preventive health care, support to stay active at home, and social activities that help older people feel connected to their communities. Advocates say these services can reduce the pressure on hospitals and aged care services over time, because people who stay well for longer are less likely to need urgent or long-term care.
The debate is likely to continue as governments plan future health budgets. Decisions about how funding is divided between treatment, prevention and support for older people will affect many Australian families. The full details of the new figures were not available in the source text, so it is not yet clear how any changes to funding might be made.
Sources: Have a Go News
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