As we often celebrate the advancements in healthcare and lifestyle that have led to increased longevity for Australians, a new study has cast a shadow over this sunny narrative, revealing a concerning trend: while older Australians are enjoying longer lives, the younger generations are facing a decline in life expectancy. This unexpected twist in the tale of our nation's health has raised alarm bells and prompted serious discussions about the factors at play.

The research, conducted by the Australian National University, delved into longevity trends across six English-speaking countries, uncovering that older men in Australia, in particular, are experiencing a notable increase in longevity. This is a testament to the strides we've made in medical science and the improved quality of life for our seniors. However, the same cannot be said for the younger cohorts.

Dr. Sergey Timonin, the lead author of the study, expressed his surprise at the findings, stating that life expectancy for Australians under 50 is lagging behind their counterparts in non-Anglophone high-income countries. While Australia still boasts a higher life expectancy than the US, the UK, and Canada, the gap is closing, and not for the better.

A new study by the Australian National University shows that older Australians are living longer. Credit: Shutterstock

The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, points to several culprits behind this troubling trend. Suicide, drug and alcohol-related behaviors, and traffic accidents are taking a heavy toll on the younger population. These 'external causes of death and substance use disorders' are the most significant contributors to the observed disadvantage at these ages, according to Timonin.

Recreational drug use and risky behaviors, often linked to mental health disorders, are exacerbating the issue. This highlights the need for a robust public health response that addresses not only the physical but also the mental well-being of Australians.

The implications of this study are far-reaching. It's a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to come together and tackle these challenges head-on. Initiatives to improve mental health support, road safety, and substance abuse programs are more critical than ever if we are to reverse this trend and ensure that all Australians, regardless of age, can look forward to a long and healthy life.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we have a vested interest in the well-being of all generations. After all, the youth of today are the seniors of tomorrow. It's essential to foster an environment where healthy lifestyle choices are encouraged, and support systems are readily available for those struggling with mental health or addiction issues.

Key Takeaways

• Older Australians are living longer according to a new study by the Australian National University.
• Younger Australians, particularly those under 50, have a declining life expectancy when compared to many high-income countries.
• The decrease in life expectancy for younger age groups is attributed to suicide, drug and alcohol-related behaviours, and traffic accidents.
• Despite the decline for younger cohorts, Australia still enjoys a higher overall life expectancy than the US, the UK, and Canada.

We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on this pressing issue. Have you noticed changes in the health and well-being of younger family members or friends? What measures do you think could be implemented to safeguard the life expectancy of future generations? Your insights and experiences are valuable as we navigate this complex health landscape together.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

I feel so sad when I see these people younger than me having a lower life expectancy. As the article says it's their lifestyle 100% that is causing this (apart from those poor people who are very sick). I do not know how we can help them, hope they come to a realisation of their health risks and try to minimise the impact. Young people (just like we were) are very headstrong and hard to turn around. Our health has at it's base (for many of us) a good start nutrition-wise, with the 'meat and 3 veg' being the staple for main meals. Meat and veg back then didn't have the mass produced (supposedly improved) foods of today. I wouldn't expect them to eat exactly what we did, but look at better choices. Yes, life was much simpler then and financially if a family had a good providor, could afford good food. We had bikes to ride (without electrics), had 'busters' falling off scooters that had no brakes, and generally lead a more active and more risky lifestyle. Baby Boomers like me were lucky this way, but this Generation is so wrong if they think it was an easy ride. We saved, went without things, took risks, bought a house that while not huge was affordable. I wish they could have houses this way poor things.

Julie

 

[mylittletibbies]

These three things came to mind without reading the article.
Recreational drug use is a much bigger problem than it was when we were young and one of the major reasons behind the huge mental health problems in today's youth. So many more people suffering from depression, they take drugs or drink to excess to make themselves feel better. But this is only a 5 minute fix. In many cases this then eventually leads to suicide, as was the case with my ex husband .
So many of the car accidents are then caused by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
These days it is necessary for both parents to work, just to survive. Kids have too much time left to their own devices. Many parents have no idea what their kids are getting up to. Also there are many families where mums are only kids themselves, living the single mum welfare lifestyle, kids virtually left to bring themselves up.
It's a completely different world this generation has been raised in and with all the advancements etc I don't think it has been for the better.

 

[7777]

So many young people are living in the fast lane, almost as though they are competing with the speed of technology. In order to enjoy a healthy and safe life style, one needs to turn off the internet, face book, Instagram and all those social media apps., When people are 24/7, engaging in these forms of social media, they are being influenced by what they see and what they hear, which is not always positive. Because some people , not all, but some people are negatively affected by negative communication on social media, they become confused and depressed taking on board everything personally that creates depression and anxiety. Sadly, some turn to dangerous and illegal substance abuse as a way of escaping from their depression or anxiety. The older generation were not confronted with the negatives of social media, as this kind of technology was not part of their lives. How easy it is for people to be rude, abusive, even threaten another via social media and not care how the negative words will affect the respondent. More education at school needs to be available, to teach young people, of the dangers or negative communication that exist on social media. Young people need to learn how to manage situations, in a positive way, when they fall into a web of mental confusion caused by social media that is against them.

 

[peteloo]

1. Wisdom - we won’t take any challenge to swallow a live snail (for escargot) but youth will dare to death
2. Not adrenaline junkie - won’t do a bungee jump that might cause a sudden surge to our aged heart besides the adrenaline (and also risk other accidents)

 

[Jest]

it wouldn't be that we have more sense and not hoon around???

 

[Noon]

Because the older generation didn't have fast food shops, we ate vegetables with meat & lots of greens.

 

[magpie1]

And we were not afraid to work....we understood that to get on that we had to save and often go without certain things that may have been enjoyable but they also cut into our savings if we did them all....we didn't need all of the electronics for instance that are available today....we were a lot more disciplined in many facets of life and took advantage of them when we could.

 

[Penny4]

I think it's to do with ultra processed food contained with additives and names we don't recognize these days. When I was growing up, my mother had to cook everything, and the only takeaway was fish and chips. Chinese takeway only came later.

 

[marni]

So many young people are living in the fast lane, almost as though they are competing with the speed of technology. In order to enjoy a healthy and safe life style, one needs to turn off the internet, face book, Instagram and all those social media apps., When people are 24/7, engaging in these forms of social media, they are being influenced by what they see and what they hear, which is not always positive. Because some people , not all, but some people are negatively affected by negative communication on social media, they become confused and depressed taking on board everything personally that creates depression and anxiety. Sadly, some turn to dangerous and illegal substance abuse as a way of escaping from their depression or anxiety. The older generation were not confronted with the negatives of social media, as this kind of technology was not part of their lives. How easy it is for people to be rude, abusive, even threaten another via social media and not care how the negative words will affect the respondent. More education at school needs to be available, to teach young people, of the dangers or negative communication that exist on social media. Young people need to learn how to manage situations, in a positive way, when they fall into a web of mental confusion caused by social media that is against them.

And I read that on social media

 

[7777]

I think it's to do with ultra processed food contained with additives and names we don't recognize these days. When I was growing up, my mother had to cook everything, and the only takeaway was fish and chips. Chinese takeway only came later.

Dear Penny4, I can relate to you so much in you statement. I too grew up with everyday home cooked meals that were nutritious and did not contain any adatives. And yes, fish and chips was a special treat only purchased on special occassions. However, it appears that these days, take away junk food is a regular meal for so many young people, and a home cooked meal is enjoyed only on festive days with family, like mother's or father's Day, Easter or Christmas Day. Wow, how times have changed. Quick take away meals have been chosen over home cooked meals that may take some time to prepare and cook, and for what reason, so that the young people can have more time on social media, up dating their selfies or abusing someone as a way of inflating their ego. We have only the one and only INTERNET to blame for this constant preoccupation with laptops and mobile phones that have presided over taking better care of one's health, by taking the time to cook at home with nutritious foods. Good Karma to you always, God bless,

 

[natalielocket]

Because the older generation didn't have fast food shops, we ate vegetables with meat & lots of greens.

And plenty of fruit. And if did get a takeaway, it was a special treat, Fish & Chips. Even school lunches were healthy. No junk food, home cooked cakes and biscuits, so no additives. The list goes on.

 

[Penny4]

Dear Penny4, I can relate to you so much in you statement. I too grew up with everyday home cooked meals that were nutritious and did not contain any adatives. And yes, fish and chips was a special treat only purchased on special occassions. However, it appears that these days, take away junk food is a regular meal for so many young people, and a home cooked meal is enjoyed only on festive days with family, like mother's or father's Day, Easter or Christmas Day. Wow, how times have changed. Quick take away meals have been chosen over home cooked meals that may take some time to prepare and cook, and for what reason, so that the young people can have more time on social media, up dating their selfies or abusing someone as a way of inflating their ego. We have only the one and only INTERNET to blame for this constant preoccupation with laptops and mobile phones that have presided over taking better care of one's health, by taking the time to cook at home with nutritious foods. Good Karma to you always, God bless,

I reckon the internet is wonderful for acquiring nice recipes to cook at home, in lieu of cook books these days. I often borrow cook books from my local library as well. I agree that people can be typing anonymously online with being nasty and abusive without repercussion. In saying that, bullying and abuse with others was in the school playground in our day too, but it was to our face.

 

[7777]

And we were not afraid to work....we understood that to get on that we had to save and often go without certain things that may have been enjoyable but they also cut into our savings if we did them all....we didn't need all of the electronics for instance that are available today....we were a lot more disciplined in many facets of life and took advantage of them when we could.

Dear member magpie1, you are absolutely correct. Many years ago, before the days of the internet and the technology that comes with it, life use to have morals, respect, kindness, time for one another. For those who created this internet and technology, they have done so to inflate their egos and bank accounts. And because for the rich, there is never enough money to make them happy or content, the creators of technology will continue creating more and more technology, for people to keep up dating their devises, and for big business people to enjoy their big time profits. Good Karma to you always, God bless,

 

[7777]

I reckon the internet is wonderful for acquiring nice recipes to cook at home, in lieu of cook books these days. I often borrow cook books from my local library as well. I agree that people can be typing anonymously online with being nasty and abusive without repercussion. In saying that, bullying and abuse with others was in the school playground in our day too, but it was to our face.

Dear member Penny4, I agree totally. Yes, the internet has its beautiful benefits and conveniences, but it also has a dark side to it when it comes to negative social media, God bless,

 

[Penny4]

Dear member magpie1, you are absolutely correct. Many years ago, before the days of the internet and the technology that comes with it, life use to have morals, respect, kindness, time for one another. For those who created this internet and technology, they have done so to inflate their egos and bank accounts. And because for the rich, there is never enough money to make them happy or content, the creators of technology will continue creating more and more technology, for people to keep up dating their devises, and for big business people to enjoy their big time profits. Good Karma to you always, God bless,

Computers/technology has been around for years. I was using an Apple PC in the 80's at work.

 

[Penny4]

Dear member Penny4, I agree totally. Yes, the internet has its beautiful benefits and conveniences, but it also has a dark side to it when it comes to negative social media, God bless,

I totally agree, but despite that, the advantage is we can turn it off. Some people can't seem to do this, which is unfortunate.

 

[7777]

I totally agree, but despite that, the advantage is we can turn it off. Some people can't seem to do this, which is unfortunate.