The old old--or the new old? Part 1--demographic trends and profile of the population aged 80 years and over

Abstract

"The paper gives an account of the demographic trends that are bringing about changes in the population aged 80 years and older in Australia. The old old population of the future will differ in size and structure from earlier cohorts reaching advanced age: an examination is made of the contribution of the effects of past birth rates; recent changes in mortality at older ages; the impact of immigration especially on the cultural diversity of the old old; and changes in sex ratios and marriage patterns that result in changes in social circumstances. The indications are that a much more dynamic view of the old old is required. The present report is the first in a three-part study which will cover social and health trends and discuss the implications of the newly emergent old old population for social policy." Data are from Australian life tables for different birth cohorts for the period 1900-1986.