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Loneliness is an important health issue facing older people due to its association with poor quality of life and poor health outcomes. This paper aimed to clarify key issues around loneliness among older adults and draw attention to innovative programs and the translation of emerging research into practice. Loneliness is a mismatch between a person's actual and desired social connections, experienced as negative emotions. Older adults are vulnerable to loneliness because of changes associated with ageing. As such, identifying as older is often seen as a burden, negatively impacting self‐esteem, sense of purpose and relevance, culminating in loneliness. Interventions combatting loneliness can target individuals, relationships, communities or societies. We advocate for an intersectoral approach to support healthy ageing and reduce loneliness. This will require further research to evaluate new approaches with loneliness as the primary outcome, and additional funding to translate evidence into an integrated multi‐level approach to addressing loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Baby Boomers are working and living longer than their pre-war counterparts, and are more likely to live in high density urban housing. This paper examines the relationship between housing type, working status and location of residence on health status in Baby Boomers. Methods: We investigated location of residence and housing type in 1009 participants of the Ageing Baby Boomers in Australia (ABBA) Study to identify any predictors of, or correlations between, these variables and health status. Results: Current workers were less likely to report depression than retirees. We found a significantly higher rate of diabetes, obesity and hypertension in retirees than in current workers however rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension were higher than predicted in current workers. Conclusion: The rates of chronic disease are higher than previous estimates and provide evidence to inform health promotion programs designed to increase physical activity and improve eating habits in baby boomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper explored how gerontology experts described baby boomers, whether they challenged the popular image, and if they provided alternatives to the popularly reported baby boomer behaviours and characteristics. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten experts from different areas across Australia. The interviews were semi-structured and guided by a 'sense-making' approach to explore the baby boomer construct and identify expert narratives that differed from the popularly tendered image. Results The majority of experts were identified as baby boomers and made use of phrases associated with the popular baby boomer image, such as 'cashed up', 'reinventing retirement' and 'sea change'. Lifestyle and wealth were recognised as staple features of the popular image. To a lesser degree, the experts also recognised alternative characteristics and behaviours, including people with disabilities and those who struggle financially. Conclusions Experts appeared to identify with the popular baby boomer label, but not necessarily the accompanying stereotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial well-being of older Australian retirees. Methods: Thirty Australian retirees (16 females and 14 males), older than 65 years of age, were asked ‘Have your finances been affected by the events surrounding COVID-19?’. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six-step approach, and Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model was utilised to analyse thematic responses at individual, household, community and societal levels. Results: Two COVID-19- related themes emerged from interviews: COVID-19 and increased financial stress and COVID-19 and frustration with digital banking. Conclusions: This study revealed that the financial well-being of older Australians and especially self-funded retirees has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants felt financially worse off primarily due to the volatility of the financial markets, the need to support adult children and the increased cost of living. Also, participants expressed their hesitation and frustration with digital banking services, and their desire for greater personal contact with financial institutions, particularly during times of uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, individuals living in rural and remote areas experience 1.4 times the total burden of chronic disease, including an 80% greater risk of late-life cognitive impairment and dementia, 2.5 times the number of preventable hospitalisations and a reduced life expectancy of up to 12 years compared to their metropolitan counterparts. Traditionally, health service planning and public health interventions have been largely built on the needs and characteristics of metropolitan populations. This disproportional focus can contribute to significant physical and cognitive health status disparities for rural and remote communities. This article focuses on existing challenges and strategies surrounding the cognitive health of rural and remote populations and provides short and long-term opportunities involving Australian public health policy and clinical practice to innovate dementia prevention for rural and remote communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study attempts to identify any association between length of exposure to urban environmental risk and non-infectious chronic disease in a group of Australian residents who lived in the same location for at least 20 years. Methods: Using Australian survey data, we selected 1256 participants who were 45 years and older and had lived in the same location for at least 20 years. We used logistic regression and survival analysis to identify factors associated with the presence of non-infectious chronic disease at baseline and after 7 years. Results: Results show that increasing age, living in an urban area and living in an area with a lower socioeconomic status increase the odds of having a long-term health condition. Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence that older long-term Australian urban residents are more likely to have a non-infectious chronic disease, which may be associated with environmental exposure, than those living in rural locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify caregiving characteristics that are associated with financial stress in Australian carers of people with a chronic disease. Methods: Data were collected via the South Australian Health Omnibus, an annual population‐based, cross‐sectional survey. Individuals who provided care to someone with prevalent chronic conditions were asked about financial stress and caregiving characteristics. Results: Of 32.4% (988/3047) who were carers, 13.4% (132/988) experienced financial stress. Adjusting for age and household income, providing more than 20 hours of care per week (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.48‐3.86), transport assistance (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.15‐3.09) and assistance with household tasks (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.14‐3.26) and caring for a person with a mental illness (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.24‐3.28) were associated with a significant increase in odds of experiencing financial stress. Caring for a person with cancer (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.30‐0.81) or dementia (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21‐0.76) was associated with decrease in odds. Conclusions: Financial stress was reported by more than 13% of carers, and factors other than household income were implicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the prevalence and context of disability exclusion reported by people with disability, with and without communication and mobility problems. Methods: The 2015 Survey of Disability Ageing and Carers was used to measure the prevalence of reported exclusion. Tests of proportions were used to examine differences in prevalence rates. Proportional Venn diagrams were used to examine the intersection of measures of exclusion. Results: Approximately 53% of those with a communication or mobility difficulty reported at least one measure of exclusion. Among this group, 7% reported an instance of discrimination, 44% reported avoidance, and 29% reported an accessibility problem. The levels of discrimination and avoidance for those without communication or mobility difficulties were approximately half this level (16% avoidance and 3% discrimination). Avoidance and discrimination reduced with age, but accessibility was age‐invariant. Exclusion measures intersected and occurred in a variety of contexts. Conclusion: Despite protections provided in Australian law, disability exclusion persists and is high among those with communication and mobility difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the experiences of older people receiving home care package (HCP) support following the introduction of consumer‐directed care (CDC) by the Australian government on 1 July 2015. Methods: Thirty‐one older people with existing HCP support from two service providers in regional New South Wales, Australia, participated in a face‐to‐face interview and/or a qualitative survey. Results: Analysis revealed the theme of Choices: Preferences, constraints, balancing and choosing. Participants described choosing to live at home with HCP support; however, they were constrained by poor communication and information about service changes and options, personal budgets and access to future care. HCP services remained largely unchanged during transition to CDC. Conclusion: Many aspects of the initial implementation of CDC were challenging for older people. Clear, relevant and timely communication and information about CDC and its consequences for consumers appear to be needed to enhance CDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Given recent rises in out-of-pocket health expenses, we examined the financial well-being of older Australians with multiple health conditions and disabilities. Methods: The 2014 General Social Survey was used to measure the: (i) current financial position; (ii) propensity to experience financial difficulties; and (iii) types of behaviours older people with multiple health conditions engage in to improve financial resilience. Results: Compared to older Australians with no health conditions, respondents with multiple health conditions had lower incomes and assets and a higher propensity to hold consumer debt (once controls were included). They were at a higher risk of cash flow difficulties, dissaving to meet day-to-day living expenses and exclusion from financial providers. However, the majority of people with multiple health conditions engaged in financially resilient behaviours. Conclusion: Many older Australians with multiple health conditions were in a financially precarious situation with implications for the ability to afford ongoing increases in out-of-pocket health-care costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To illustrate the use of National Transfer Accounts ( NTA) for understanding ageing and the economic life cycle in Australia. Methods The NTA methodology is applied utilising a range of unit record, demographic and administrative data sets from 1981 to 2010. Results During early and later life, total consumption (public and private) is greater than labour income. On a time series and cohort basis, we show that each successive generation has improved their level of well-being (as measured by consumption) relative to the previous years or previous cohorts from 1981 to 1982 onwards. We also show a substantial increase in labour income earned by mature age workers over this period. International comparisons show Australia to have consumption and labour income age profiles very similar to those of Canada but dissimilar to many other countries, driven by differences in demographic and policy settings. Conclusion The NTA approach provides a powerful framework to track differences in the economic life cycle across age groups, across time, across cohorts and across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the role of variations in mature age labour force participation on labour force outcomes over Australia's recent past (2000-2015) and immediate future (to 2030). Methods To estimate the impact of rises in mature age participation on observed labour supply, we utilise demographic decomposition techniques. To examine future labour supply (to 2030), we simulate scenarios utilising a cohort-component projection model. Results Observed increases in mature age participation between 2000 and 2015 added approximately 786 000 mature age workers to the Australian labour force. Over the proceeding 15 years (2015-2030), conservative changes to prevailing mature age participation would add 304 000 additional workers. The speed of ageing is projected to increase and labour supply growth decrease in the next 15 years relative to that observed from 2000 to 2015. Conclusion To benefit from increased mature age labour force participation, the barriers to mature age participation must be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Healthcare providers ( HCPs) can play an important role in supporting the sexual health of older adults; however, we know little about the experiences of older people in talking to HCPs about sex. This article examines older adults' experiences and perceptions of talking to HCPs about sex. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 men and 23 women aged 60 and older recruited from a national, online survey of older Australians. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results Most participants did not discuss sex with their HCP, and their HCP did not raise it. For those who did discuss sex with a HCP, negative and stigmatising responses were common. Positive responses could facilitate access to sexual health care. Conclusion Older people benefit when HCPs are proactive and ask about sexual health. Education in how to talk about sex with older people would also be beneficial for HCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To develop projections of the size of the Australian population aged 65 years and over eligible for disability support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme ( NDIS) for the decade following its introduction, to support planning and costing of the scheme. Methods We estimate disability and mortality transition probabilities and develop projections of the NDIS-eligible, ageing population from 2017 to 2026. Results An estimated 8000 men and 10 200 women aged 65 years and over will be eligible for support through the NDIS in 2017 (the scheme's first full year), increasing to 48 800 men and 56 900 women in 2026. Conclusions Growth in the NDIS-eligible, ageing population has implications for relative budget allocations between the NDIS and the aged-care system, and projections of the size of this population are useful for calculating the overall cost of the NDIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses how the arts and cultural activities are a vital part of a health and care system and have potential to fulfil the theme of active ageing. The changing nature of care provision in response to demographic change, fiscal pressure and increasingly consumerist attitudes on the part of care users, is considered. Selected examples of how participation in arts and cultural activities increases not only well-being but also health outcomes are then outlined. The article highlights the potential of 'cultural commissioning' and within that 'arts on prescription' - public funding of arts-related activities for people with care needs - and advocates investment in arts and cultural activities to better meet the demands of health, social care and aged care. Concluding remarks are made, and a way forward is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The baby boomer generation poses challenges to understand how to enhance both the well-being and the continuing workforce participation of older workers. We sought to explore the role of social relations both at work and in other domains of life, in relation to the health and well-being of the baby boomer workforce in Australia. Methods Employed participants ( n = 743) born 1946-1965 inclusive provided information about their work environment, financial security and loneliness. Regressions were used to explore the relationships of those variables to well-being (work-life interference, absenteeism, job satisfaction, life satisfaction, health and psychological distress). Results Social environment indicators especially supervisor support and worker loneliness reliably increased the variance explained by demographics and work demands and control, in well-being outcomes. Conclusion To maintain the well-being and workforce participation of baby boomer generation workers, employers need to attend to creating worker-friendly environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To explore the prevalence of unmet demand for training by mature age Australians and to identify the main barriers to accessing training. Methods A total of 3007 Australians aged 45-74 years were surveyed using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. The sample frame was randomly selected and stratified based on the capital city and the rest of the state, and data were weighted to be nationally representative. Results Over one-third (37%) of respondents who had worked in the past five years reported wanting to attend some form of training but were unable to; these were most likely women and those aged 45-54 year. Commonly cited reasons for not being able to attend training included not being able to fit it in with work commitments, affordability and employer reluctance. Conclusion Reduction of these barriers to workplace training can improve mature age people's ability to remain engaged in the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate if, when and how assessments regarding residents' sexual health and needs occur within Australian residential aged care facilities. Method A census of all Australian residential aged care facilities was conducted. A survey developed specifically for the project was posted to all 2766 residential aged care services in Australia. Eight weeks were allowed for the return of surveys. Results A total of 1094 completed surveys were returned, representing a 39.7% response rate. The type of information most often collected concerned disruptive sexual behaviour, and assessments most frequently occurred following disruptive behaviour. One-quarter of facilities reported having a sexual health/needs assessment form, although only 10 facilities provided evidence of this. Conclusion Survey responses indicated that sexual health and needs are not routinely assessed in residential aged care, and facilities do not commonly have a dedicated sexual health/needs assessment form to guide them through an assessment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarises and analyses the significant changes that have occurred in the Australian population between the 1981 and 2011 population censuses. Total population increased from 14.6 to 21.5 million over the 1981-2011 period, which is considered high by high-income country standards. Several charts and diagrams are also presented that show age-sex distribution in 1981 to 2011 and proportion of the population with disabilities from 1981-2009.

Adult day groups (ADGs) are used by older adults living at home in the community in Australia. Their aim is to prevent social isolation and to maintain independence through supporting social networks and providing a program of activities that enhance the physical, intellectual and social well-being of the participants and carers. The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of and reasons why older people attend ADGs. An ethnographic study of four ADGs in Victoria, Australia was conducted over a 4-month period. The study included observation of the four ADGs and interviews with eight clients, comprising five women and three men. Four major themes were derived from data analysis. The first was related to the importance of companionship with staff and clients of the ADGs. The second revealed how participants valued keeping occupied in activities not achievable at home, while the third identified how home was experienced as a place where time passed slowly and there were insufficient things to do. Lastly, participants identified dissatisfactions with ADGs. Community based programs that foster companionship and meaningful and purposeful occupations in older age are desirable. Improvements to ADGs to better meet the occupational and activity needs of older people living at home are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]