With ageing populations, increasing life expectancies and more sedentary
lifestyles, today non-communicable chronic diseases are major disabling conditions for
people in both developed and developing countries. In Australia chronic diseases, such
as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental disorders and arthritis, affect around 80% of
older persons; are the main causes of disability and premature death; and account for
around 70% of total health expenditures. Health expenditures associated with ageing
and chronic disease continue to be of concern worldwide to both patients and
governments.
Keywords: Chronic diseases, health of Australians, life expectancy, health system
structure, patient and government health costs, ‘best value for money’
investments.
