Older Australians face the same key challenges year on year, report reveals

An annual report released by OPAN has revealed that, for the fifth year in a row, older people have reported some of the same key challenges. The report offers a detailed analysis of the 52,206 instances of information and advocacy support its network members provided to older people, their families and other supporters — an 18% per cent increase on the previous year.

OPAN’s National Aged Care Advocacy Program Presenting Issues Report July 2024–June 2025 revealed that, for the fifth year in a row, poor communication, lack of information and support to make decisions were reported to be the key challenges.

“It is deeply concerning that the same issues keep surfacing year after year. Older people tell us they are still waiting too long for care, not getting clear information, and being excluded from decisions that affect their lives,” OPAN CEO Craig Gear said.

“The new Aged Care Act on 1 November is an important new chapter and an opportune time to reflect on how the government and sector can work collaboratively to improve the quality of life for older Australians.”

Data collected, OPAN said, helps it to identify systemic issues within the aged care sector and to suggest practical solutions. “This year, we have made 59 recommendations to government, with 34 carried over from the 2023 and 2024 report,” OPAN said.

According to the report, other challenges older people face include barriers to accessing necessary assistive technology.

You can read the report here, via the OPAN website.

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