Abstract

The population of New South Wales is ageing. Over the next 50 years low fertility rates, relatively low rates of in-migration of younger people, and the ageing of the post World War II ‘baby boom’ generation, will significantly increase the proportion of the population aged over 65. For many diseases, older people use health resources at a higher rate than younger people. Combined with the anticipated demographic shift, we can expect that this will increase the demand for health services rapidly over this period.