4914.0.55.001 - Newsletter: Age Matters, Jun 2005  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 07/07/2005   
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DID YOU KNOW?

In 2003,

    • there was a total of 2.6 million carers in Australia, of which 19% (475,000) identified as a primary carer. The male to female sex ratio of all carers was 0.9 and 0.4 for primary carers.
    • a total of 454,000 of all carers in Australia were aged 65 years and over, with 25% (113,000) identifying as a primary carer. The sex ratio of all carers aged 65 years and over was 1.2 however, for primary carers aged 65 years and over, it was 0.7.
    • 42% (197,000) of all primary carers were the partner of the care recipient, however, for primary carers aged 65 years and over who were the partner of the care recipient this proportion was 83% (94,000).
    • 92% (44,000) of male primary carers aged 65 years and over were the partner of the care recipient, for female primary carers aged 65 years and over this proportion was 76% (50,000).
    • 72% (343,000) of all primary carers live with the care recipient, however, for primary carers aged 65 years and over who live with the care recipient the proportion was 91% (103,000).
    • 41% (151,000) of all primary carers reported some level of disability, however, for primary carers aged 65 years and over this proportion was 59% (62,000).
    • 10% (36,000) of all primary carers reported a profound/severe core activity limitation, while for those aged 65 and over the proportion was 14% (14,600).
    • 50% (7,300) of primary carers aged 65 years and over reported a profound/severe core activity limitation were caring for a recipient with a profound/severe core activity limitation.

For further details, refer to Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Caring in the Community, 2003, Tables 17 to 24 (cat.no 4430.0.55.004) which was released on 31 May 2005 or contact Ken Black phone (02) 6252 7430 or e-mail ken.black@abs.gov.au