Ageing Populations

The path forward

Older First Nations peoples are knowledge holders, role models, caregivers, Elders, leaders and teachers. They are central members of families and communities who pass culture and traditions on to the next generation.

Like all ageing populations, older First Nations peoples want to age well. While First Nations peoples are living longer, the persisting gap in life expectancy between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians means a stronger focus must be given to older First Nations peoples at later stages of life.

A cross-cutting, culturally safe and responsive focus on ageing will ensure First Nations populations can continue to participate in family, community and cultural life for as long as possible.

Priority actions

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council Limited

The Commonwealth has committed additional funding of $2.5 million for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council Limited (NATSIAACC) to lead reform priorities for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, embedding the Closing the Gap targets on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care. NATSIAAC will also implement the five-year plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care 2021–2026.

Considering First Nations Elders

All targets and outcomes of the National Agreement must embed a focus on the health and social, economic and cultural wellbeing of older First Nations peoples. This includes a particular focus on the needs and experiences of the Stolen Generations.

For more information on the Commonwealth’s commitment to ageing populations, see content included in Outcome 1.

Summary of new actions

*A full appendix of new and existing measures being undertaken by the Commonwealth to support Closing the Gap efforts is on the NIAA website, at Closing the Gap implementation measures.