Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission roadmap open for consultation

Australia is rapidly ageing – in 2017, 15% of the country’s population was aged 65 and over. By 2057, this percentage is predicted to swell to 22% of the population, or more than 8.8 million people.
 
The rates for dementia, a disease that mainly affects older people, are expected to show a similar increase, from the 477,000 Australians currently living with the disease to 1.1 million by 2058.
 
These numbers lie behind Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt’s description of dementia as ‘one of Australia and the world’s greatest health challenges’. They are also the impetus behind the government’s $185 million investment into the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission (the Mission).
 
The Mission is a program funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and designed to help guide research that will assist in the support older Australians.
 
‘We want all Australians to maintain their health and quality of life as they age, to live well and independently for longer and access quality care when they need it,’ Minister for Aged Care, Richard Colbeck, said.  
 
As part of this goal, the Mission’s draft Roadmap has been released for public consultation, with the Government seeking feedback to guide it overall strategy and help direct funding in the most effective way possible.
 
‘Greater research into dementia is vital, but it’s important to ensure the research is targeted to have the greatest impact,’ Minister Hunt said.  
 
‘I encourage Australians to jump on the website, read the draft Roadmap and provide advice, so we have a greater understanding of what research is required.’
 
The draft Roadmap opened for comment on 18 January, and will close on 17 February. 
 
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