Older Australians: 17% of the population, almost a quarter of emergency visits
Older emergency visits rose 16% from 2019 to 2024, and half lead to hospital admission.
Older Australians made up 17% of the population in 2024 but almost a quarter of emergency visits. Between 2019 and 2024, older people attending emergency departments rose by 16%, versus 4% for younger people.
Half of all older emergency visits end in a hospital admission. Dr Peter Allely, president of the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine, says governments have done little to prepare.
Health department data shows an average of 17 older Australians died each day last year. The deaths happened while people waited to receive support at home.
As of June 30, more than 106,000 Australians were on the official Support at Home waiting list. The ABC's Four Corners program reported in August that the true number waiting was almost 154,000.
The report projects a 177% rise in total emergency visits between 2010 and 2050.
- 17%
- Population share
- Almost a quarter
- ED visit share
- 17 older Australians
- Deaths while waiting daily
- 106,000+
- Support at Home waiting list
Why it mattersThe report warns that without urgent action, more older patients would put pressure on the whole health system.
AustraliaFamilies caring for older relatives face home care waitlists that one expert says are a year long.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
