- Elderly is classified as 65+ years
- In 2006 it was stated that 6.8% of the Australian population were 65+ (AIHW, 2007)
- The average life expectancy in Australia is 82 (AIHW, 2007)
- The number 1 leading cause of death in Australia is ischaemic heart diseases (also known as heart disease) (AIHW, 2007)
- The major risk factor of heart disease is inactivity (AIHW, 2007)
- In 2005 almost half of all older persons (48%) were classified as either overweight (33%) or obese (15%) (ABS, 2006)
- 8% of older persons in 2005 were current smokers (ABS, 2006)
- 50% of elderly do not participate in activity: 50% of elderly participate in activity (ABS, 2006)
- Of the 50% = 52.9% male, 48.1% female (ABS, 2006)
- Most popular elderly physical activity is lawn bowls (ABS, 2006)
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2006). Health of Older People in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Web site, http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/4833.0.55.001/
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2007). Older Australia at a Glance: 4th Edition. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.