THE FRASER Coast, like many regions across Queensland, is experiencing a demographic shift marked by a significant increase in its senior population, in a region historically experiencing a relatively higher population.
The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) has recently released The State of Seniors Report, a resource of the Seniors Legal and Support Service, that identifies the gaps when comparing state & national seniors data with local results.
The comprehensive report draws on data from several credible sources including:
• Directly from local seniors for the 2024 Fraser Coast Seniors Survey undertaken by HBNC
• 2021 Census with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
• Research on specific social determinants impacting seniors
• Queensland and National data relevant to this report
According to the inaugural Fraser Coast State of Seniors Report 2024, nearly one in three individuals on the Fraser Coast is classified as a senior, aged 65 years and over. This statistic, sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, highlights a demographic trend that is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating that seniors will make up 35% of the population by 2041.
While the increase in life expectancy is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, it also presents challenges and opportunities
for regions such as Hervey Bay. As Australians live longer, there is a growing need to ensure that our region is age-friendly and equipped to support older individuals in leading fulfilling and participatory lives.
Demographically, the Fraser Coast stands out with a significantly higher proportion of older residents compared to both Queensland and Australia. This trend can be attributed to a combination of national aging population patterns and local dynamics, including the influx of retirees to the area since the 1970s.
The most recent ABS Census (2021) states the Fraser Coast has the second highest proportion of seniors in the state; 30% of the population aged 65+ compared to 17% for Queensland. Burrum Heads has a senior population of 57%.
However, alongside the benefits of increased longevity come a host of challenges. Seniors on the Fraser Coast face social and economic hurdles, including the rising cost of living, elder abuse, scamming, and social isolation.
Financial strain, in particular, emerges as a pressing issue, with a majority of seniors surveyed reporting some level of impact on their finances, affecting essential expenses such as groceries and healthcare.
The 2021 Census reported 6.4% of seniors on the Fraser Coast are engaged in paid work compared to the Queensland state average of 13% and Australia wide 14%. Another
35% of senior respondents expressed concern about housing affordability.
The Census data indicates most Fraser Coast seniors (46%) have an income between $300-$500 per week. The region clearly has a lower socioeconomic population with only 7.9% of Fraser Coast seniors having an income of $1,000 or more per week compared to the state average of 13.8%.
Healthcare access is another concern, with a significant portion of seniors expressing hesitancy or difficulty in accessing necessary medical services due to cost implications. This is especially troubling given the rising incidence of chronic health conditions among older individuals, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. The report identifies 20% of Hervey Bay seniors needing assistance.
Furthermore, many seniors on the Fraser Coast are unprepared for later life, lacking essential legal arrangements such as Enduring Powers of Attorney and residing in housing unsuitable for aging.
A staggering 42% of seniors are not registered with My Aged Care, a starting point to accessing federally funded aged care services and limiting their access to crucial support services.
Despite these challenges, the report also highlights the positive aspects of aging, as noted by a sizable portion of respondents. Factors such as increased freedom, wisdom gained from life experience, and reduced day-to-day stress contribute to a more positive outlook on aging.
Volunteering plays a very important role with many seniors; approximately 1 in 7 seniors on the Fraser Coast do volunteer work. The report acknowledges recognised mental health benefits associated with volunteer work, including reduced symptoms of depression, better self-reported health, fewer functional limitations, and lower mortality.
The Fraser Coast Seniors Survey reported 49% of respondents were attending a community or social group. The most common types of groups attended were health and exercise (28%), art and craft (14.8%), church groups (11.7%), and clubs / associations (10.9%).
We will look at a local program – The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme – that has had a presence locally for nearly 30 years that aims to combat social isolation.
To address the multifaceted needs of seniors, the concept of “positive aging” emerges as a guiding principle, emphasising the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, staying physically and mentally active, and engaging fully in community life.
More than one in three Fraser Coast seniors feel positive about ageing.
The Queensland Government’s commitment to age-friendly communities is evident through its affiliation with the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (WHO).
In line with this, the government launched the Queensland Age-Friendly Community Strategic Direction Statement in 2016, aligning with the WHO framework.
An Action Plan ensued, targeting the eight domains outlined by WHO. Subsequently, a Report Card in 2018-2019 highlighted achievements, including the Advancing Queensland grants program, increased Seniors Card +go issuance, and support services like the Taxi Subsidy Scheme and RentConnect’s Advisory Services.
Workshops and initiatives like Skilling Queenslanders for Work aimed to build capacity and challenge stereotypes about ageing.
The Future Directions for an Age-Friendly Queensland, launched in October 2022, emphasised connectivity, support, and contribution for older Queenslanders.
Looking ahead, the government is developing a Seniors Strategy slated for release in 2024, reinforcing its dedication to creating inclusive and supportive environments for older citizens.
Locally, initiatives such as the Fraser Coast Regional Council Community Plan 2031 aim to promote respect and inclusion for seniors, recognising their valuable contributions to the community. However, there remains a call to action for the broader community to actively support seniors in aging positively and enjoying meaningful lives.
Grief and loss impact seniors’ lives more often than any other age group. The survey reports that 71% of Australian seniors have experienced at least one bereavement in the last 30 months. The National Ageing Research Institute indicates that 21% of seniors meet the criteria for prolonged grief.
We will highlight in this feature supportive groups such as the Loss and Grief Support Group with a presence in Hervey Bay.
The inaugural Fraser Coast State of Seniors Report 2024 underscores the importance of addressing the evolving needs of an aging population in our region.
By acknowledging the challenges faced by seniors and embracing opportunities for positive aging, the Fraser Coast can strive towards becoming a more age-friendly and inclusive community for individuals of all ages. Through collective action and commitment, we can ensure that seniors on the Fraser Coast continue to thrive and contribute to the vibrancy of our region.
