The COVID-19 pandemic exposed long-standing gaps in how older people are treated within health systems. International inquiries, including the UK’s COVID-19 review, found that older and vulnerable populations were not adequately protected, particularly during the early stages of the crisis. In Australia, similar concerns were raised, with aged care residents disproportionately affected.
Data from 2020 showed that 75 per cent of COVID-19 deaths in Australia occurred in aged care, far above the OECD average. Reports suggest older people were less likely to be hospitalised, even when clinically appropriate. Beyond the pandemic, ageism continues to influence access to care, with findings indicating older Australians may face reduced quality of treatment or barriers to essential services.
With Australia’s ageing population set to grow significantly, the issue is becoming more urgent. Experts are calling for stronger protections, including embedding the right to health into law, addressing age bias in healthcare, and designing more inclusive care systems. The pandemic may be over, but its lessons remain critical for shaping a fairer, more responsive aged care system.