Women, health and ageing: Findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

Publisher: Prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2010

Status – CURRENT

This report focuses on the health of older women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women‘s Health. It was found that as women are living longer they increasingly make up the majority of those experiencing dementia, sensory impairment, and falls and fractures. It includes findings on: Changes in physical health and relationship to socio-economic status; Living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, sleep problems and incontinence; Effects of falls, smoking, and alcohol intake; Effects of obesity, and contributing factors. Current preventive activities in Australia to reduce overweight and obesity, reduce the prevalence of tobacco smoking, and increase levels of physical activity are all strongly supported by the data presented in this report.  The data also identify growing needs for the primary care sector to help older women with chronic conditions.