Most of us want to live as long as possible—and 100 is a milestone many strive to reach. Evidence suggests more of us are getting there.
The number of Victorians living past 100 is steadily increasing. Data from Births, Deaths and Marriages shows that 770 centenarians passed away last year—up from 431 in 2015.
Women remain twice as likely as men to reach the milestone, and the rate of people aged over 100 is rising by around 1,000 each year. Globally, the number of centenarians rose from 151,000 in 2000 to 573,000 in 2021.
More broadly, Australia’s life expectancy is increasing. The average Australian woman can now expect to live to 85. Meanwhile, the average Australian man can expect to live to 81. This is a far cry from the 1970s, when a man could expect to live to 68 and a woman 74.
So, what implications does an ageing population have for Australia and what is behind this trend?
What’s behind the Aging population in Australia?
International studies have revealed that improvements in public health and medicine have led to increases in life expectancy of three years per decade. Advances in vaccines, antibiotics, chronic disease management, surgical procedures and early detection have all contributed to longer lifespans. At the same time, Australians are more health-conscious than ever, with rising awareness around diet, exercise and preventative care.
So will we see Australia’s life expectancy continue to increase as medicine continues to evolve? Experts are warning that medical advancements may have peaked, so we might not see life expectancy continue to rise at the same rate in the future. This is because many of the diseases that can be treated or cured with medicine have already been addressed.
What are the implications of this trend?
While increased life expectancy is undoubtedly a good thing it does have implications for the healthcare and aged care systems.
While it’s true that Australians are enjoying longer and healthier lives on average, many older Australians are also facing longer periods of ill health. In fact, people now spend an additional six months in ill health compared to 20 years ago, which is significantly straining our healthcare system.
The rising number of older Australians especially puts pressure on the aged care system. With life expectancy on the rise, more people are living to an age where they require formal care and support. Dementia, mobility issues and chronic conditions are becoming more prevalent, increasing demand for both community-based and residential aged care services.
Current projections suggest the supply of aged care places may fall short of future demand, particularly in residential and home care services. At the same time, the need for skilled aged care workers is growing—making it one of the most in-demand sectors in the country.
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The sector urgently needs more people who are passionate about providing high-quality care to older Australians. Roles range from personal care assistants and enrolled nurses to lifestyle coordinators and allied health professionals. With the right qualifications and support, aged care can offer long-term job security and a meaningful career.
Considering a career in aged care?
If you’re ready to join this vital and rewarding sector, Aged Care Resumes can help. We offer professional resume writing and selection criteria services tailored specifically for aged care roles. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, we’ll help you stand out and make a difference.
Article References
Dai-Keller, Z & Sachdev, P (18 August 2024) ‘We reviewed the health habits of centenarians. These four things could lead to a longer life’, ABC News, accessed 4 August 2025.
Dusevic, T (24 November 2024) ‘An age-bomb is about to go off in Australia’, The Australian, accessed 4 August 2025.
Lunn, S (14 December 2024) ‘Poor record keeping, welfare fraud: the real ‘secret’ of living to 100 uncovered’, The Australian, accessed 4 August 2025.
White, A (2 August 2025) ‘Centenarians on the rise in Victoria adding pressure to aged care, families, and health services’, Herald Sun, accessed 4 August 2025.