NEW research from National Seniors Australia (NSA) has revealed the growing impact of healthcare costs on older Australians, with those on lower incomes and limited savings most likely to miss out on essential treatment.
The findings build on a survey of around 6,000 older Australians conducted during the cost-of-living crisis.
The survey found many seniors delayed or skipped healthcare because of cost, including dental treatment, mental health services, prescription medications and GP appointments.
The latest analysis shows financial circumstances play a major role. Among seniors with less than $100,000 in savings and investments, 43 per cent went without needed dental treatment due to cost, compared with just 9 per cent of those with more than $750,000 in assets.
The disparity was greater among pensioners. More than half of those relying solely on government payments missed out on dental treatment, while almost half skipped dental check-ups or mental health care because they could not afford it. Women and people living in regional, rural and remote areas were also more likely to forgo healthcare than men and metropolitan residents