THIS week’s contributor is Rachelle Frain, GM, myPak Solutions
Ready for Australia’s demographic tsunami opportunity?
Between 1998 and 2018, the number of Australians aged 65 years and over increased from 12.2% to 15.7%.1 This number is set to explode, with Australian and New Zealanders aged over 60 expected to increase by 92.6% between 2019 and 2050. This growth rate is far higher than North America and Europe.
Recent decades have also seen a strong trend of older people choosing to live independently, from around 24 % in 1990 to 37 % in 2010. Television footage aired in 2018 revealed how some Australians in aged care were badly mistreated, prompting many to rethink their future health care arrangements. More will likely choose independent living.
Today, over a million Australians take 5 or more medications daily. This estimate is low – it doesn’t account for over the counter, complementary medicines or private prescriptions.
Are Australian pharmacies ready to support them? I believe our pharmacists can lead the way in supporting the elderly, especially those on multiple medications.
DAA services are an increasingly important part of pharmacy professional services.
Next Monday, I’ll explain how myPakSolutions leading Australian end-to-end DAA solution helps pharmacists support the elderly on polypharmacy.
Meanwhile, call us with any queries on 1800 812 649.
