This report reveals the result of a national biennial survey of older Australians. This is the fourth report in the series. The report reveals that while many older Australians report feeling more positive about their own lives, the data reveals a starkly uneven reality. It finds the stereotype of older Australians as uniformly wealthy is not just wrong – it’s fuelling ageism that hurts people of all ages.

The data exposes a sharp intragenerational divide – particularly in financial security, housing, health and connection – that directly challenges the popular narrative of older Australians as uniformly wealthy, secure and comfortable. While some older Australians are doing well, many are not, and a significant minority are struggling with poverty, insecurity and declining wellbeing.

Older Australians are not one group living one shared experience. The report reinforces the need for government, employers and service providers to recognise and value the individual circumstances, needs and interests of all older Australians.

Key findings

• More than three quarters of older Australians rated their quality of life at 7 or higher out of 10. 
• Older people don’t tend to feel that their value as an older person is fully appreciated by society or politicians.
• Just over half agreed that government policies do not meet the needs of people their age.
• Ageism is a key deterrent preventing older Australians from wanting or being able to re-enter the workforce.
• Analysis finds nearly one-in-four older Australians are in poverty.
• 38% say they have experienced one or more forms of ageism since turning 50 – a trend that appears to be growing.
• One-in-seven either delayed or skipped taking medicines for cost reasons.