Explain how Australia's ageing population impacts the sustainability of the healthcare system. (4 marks)
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- Australia’s ageing population creates increased demand for healthcare services because older adults require more frequent medical treatments and chronic disease management.
- This leads to higher healthcare expenditure as more Australians need access to specialists, hospital services and ongoing medication.
- The reason this impacts sustainability is the healthcare workforce must expand to meet growing demand from older patients.
- Consequently, government health spending increases substantially because older Australians use healthcare services more intensively than younger populations.
- This results in greater pressure on public hospitals as emergency departments experience higher patient volumes.
- Therefore, the demographic shift threatens sustainability unless substantial investment occurs in workforce development and preventive services.
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- Australia’s ageing population creates increased demand for healthcare services because older adults require more frequent medical treatments and chronic disease management.
- This leads to higher healthcare expenditure as more Australians need access to specialists, hospital services and ongoing medication.
- The reason this impacts sustainability is the healthcare workforce must expand to meet growing demand from older patients.
- Consequently, government health spending increases substantially because older Australians use healthcare services more intensively than younger populations.
- This results in greater pressure on public hospitals as emergency departments experience higher patient volumes.
- Therefore, the demographic shift threatens sustainability unless substantial investment occurs in workforce development and preventive services.