Over the past century life expectancy has increased dramatically and older citizens around the globe will soon outnumber children. By 2050, nearly one out of every four people will be older than 60 years…
China has the largest absolute number of older people globally, with 13% of the population aged 60 and over.
EPA/Wu Hong
The demographic profile of the world is changing. Ageing is a global phenomenon, an unprecedented, pervasive, profound and an enduring process for humanity. The current and future burden and opportunities…
Nanas may contribute more than just hugs and kisses.
John McNab
A recent study shows that mutations in the “breast cancer genes” BRCA1 and BRCA2 – which increase the risks of breast and ovarian cancers among others – also increase fertility.
This is an extraordinary…
Ageism is pervasive on our television screens.
TheBmag
Most of us have no direct experience of psychiatry or severe mental illness. So our attitudes and experiences are shaped by what we are exposed to: mass media portrayals. Reality rarely makes good drama…
One in five people over 80 are sexually active but not all protect themselves against STIs.
Flickr/adwriter
Why is it that when we combine the words “sex” and “older people” there’s a reaction of surprise, unease and awkwardness?
Is it because we believe older people don’t have sex? Or don’t have sexual fantasies…
Chemicals are present in the brain a decade or so before symptoms occur.
Rosie O Beirne
Dementia is among the largest cause of disability in Australians aged over 65 and affects memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for…
Older people are finally being consulted about the type of care they need.
EPA/Diego Azubel
Australia’s population is ageing, presenting an economic challenge to look after the most vulnerable members of our society.
The Productivity Commission released a report last month recommending a complete…
High intake of antioxidants won't slow the ageing process and may increase your risk of some cancers.
Dan Machold
As Australians' life expectancy nudges past 80 years, it’s no surprise that we’re searching for ways to add youthfulness and vitality to our later years.
It’s a nice idea that a good dose of blueberries…
Signs of ageing are seen as lending distinction to some while the rest of us scramble to retain our youth.
AAP
While we celebrate certain celebrities who age gracefully like Dame Judy Dench, or exult the distinctiveness that ageing brings to particular male celebrities, such as George Clooney, the signs of ageing…
Broadband-enabled technologies can ensure a more comfortable ageing process.
sparktography
Welcome to If I had a blank cheque … a series in which leading researchers reveal what they could (and would) do in their discipline if money were no object.
Today we hear from Dr Kate Cornick, Executive…
Mental stimulation can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
nany mata/Flickr
When we think of dementia, we tend to imagine it as a condition that goes hand in hand with old age. What’s not talked about is the fact the diseases that cause it have a long genesis.
Alzheimer’s Australia…
Your grandparents' lifespan can offer some valuable clues.
joeduty/Flickr
It’s well known that humans are living longer than ever before, thanks partially to developments such as sanitation and modern medicine. But will it ever be possible for humans to live forever?
The late…
Financial measures to address ageing promote inequality and weaken the budget.
Patrick Doheny/Flickr
So far there have been three Intergenerational Reports by Treasury examining the challenges of an ageing population which have consistently been used to justify new policies to address a potential ageing…
Sleeper: we'll retire later even with a boost to fertility rates.
AAP
Many public debates come down to facts – issues like “Whose costing of the Opposition’s spending plans was correct?” or “How many people died in Iraq?” Too often the media report a strident opinion from…
