Psychology and ageing in Australia: An introduction

Abstract

Australia has a younger population than many other countries due to a high level of immigration from overseas. However, a significant change is occurring. It is estimated that during the 1990s an increase of 38% for those over 75 and 61% for those over 85 will occur, compared with a projected growth of the total population of 12% (ABS, 1988). As the baby boom reaches old age, Australia is beginning to appreciate the necessity of acquiring information about elderly people. The psychology of ageing is thus important to researchers as well as to policy planners and clinicians.