Fact Sheets

The analysis in this Fact Sheet looks at the ageing patterns in sport. It brings together existing literature and the latest data to illustrate the optimal ages at which physiology, training, and strategy combine for different sports for both men and women, and how this is changing over time. Analysis relies on data from the Olympics as well as from four popular professional sports: tennis, cricket, association football (soccer), and Australian rules football. Finally, a comparison of age distributions in community sports shows how sport is the domain of every age group.

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2021Jun

How Men Age: Insights From the CHAMP Study

Rafal Chomik, Fatima Jamal Khan, and Robert Cumming

This Fact Sheet summarises some of the insights from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP), one of the most comprehensive studies of older men’s health, describing the patterns of healthy and less-than-healthy ageing, and the factors related to each.

Led by Emeritus Professor and former CEPAR Chief Investigator Robert Cumming, the study tracks older men's lives as they progressed to old age and as their health, relationships, and circumstances changed; and ultimately, for some, how they passed away. Each follow-up since 2005 collected extensive answers to questionnaires, as well as physical and cognitive performance examinations and blood tests. The study was made possible via a series of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants, with additional funding from the Ageing and Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at Concord Hospital, the University of Sydney Medical Foundation, and most recently the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR).

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2020May

Timing of unfolding pandemic, policy responses, and unemployment concerns (Australia)

COVID-19 and the Demographic Distribution of Health and Economic Risks

Rafal Chomik

The health impacts of COVID-19 have been modest in Australia compared to elsewhere. But as restrictions ease and the economy reopens, the risks of infection, morbidity, and job loss will require caution. Live data suggests that unemployment impacts may be considerable.

Such risks are shared unequally across locations, occupations, and industries. A key driver of differences is age and socioeconomic status. For example, areas with less healthy populations - where a resurgence in COVID-19 could wreack the most havoc - tend to be either older, poorer, or both.

Occupations with greatest exposure to infection tend to be low wage, and often held by older women. And, while older workers have so far seen lower rates of job loss than younger workers, historic data suggests that they are twice as likely to become inactive after a spell of unemployment. Such multi-dimensional risks need balanced and informed responses.

To this end, this fact sheet documents the demographic distribution of different health and economic risks across the Australian population, paying particular attention to older groups (aged 55+).

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2019Aug

Legal Protections for Mature Workers

Rafal Chomik, Alison Williams, and Marian Baird

Older Australians are a vital part of the workforce and economy. Almost 20% of Australian workers are over the age of 55 and as the population ages, this proportion will continue to rise. Mature workers face unique challenges. Many experience age discrimination in the workplace or when looking for work. This is occurring despite a lack of evidence that older workers are less productive. Mature workers often juggle work and caring responsibilities, which are less well recognised than the typical caring role faced by younger workers.

This fact sheet outlines the national and state legislation that protects mature workers from discrimination and upholds their right to seek flexible work arrangements. It also addresses the way workplace health and safety laws can be uniquely relevant to older Australians.

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2019Jan

Aged Care Policy, Provision, and Prospects

Rafal Chomik and Cris Townley

Australia’s aged care system is evolving. It is where the challenges of population ageing are most apparent and where policy choices have direct impact on the lives of Australians. This fact sheet takes stock of recent changes in aged care policy, industry, and labour force, and highlights research seeking to address its challenges.

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2018Aug

认知与老化：研究与观察 (Chinese version of Cognitive ageing and decline: Insights from recent research)

Bei Lu, Ka Kei, and Rafal Chomik

Cognitive decline is feared by many as they approach old age. Yet the severe cognitive decline associated with dementia is not a normal part of ageing. This fact sheet explores the impacts of cognitive ageing and decline on individuals.

View the English version here

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2018Mar

Australian Life Tables: 150 years in the making

Rafal Chomik and David Rodgers

This Fact Sheet summarises key insights from the Symposium on Mortality in Australia, held in Melbourne on 13 November 2017 by CEPAR and the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, including the trends and drivers of mortality change, inequalities in life expectancy, and the potential for future improvements.

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2018Feb

Measuring Up? International Indices Of Ageing

Rafal Chomik and David Rodgers

This Fact Sheet examines some of the most notable ageing indices, their stated purposes, methodologies and results.

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2016Sep

The Constellations of Demography

Rafal Chomik

This Fact Sheet traces the global distribution of age groups across continents and countries and over time, as if comparing the dimensions of stars and planets.

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