The aim of this project is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, wellbeing and health service use of older Australians, determine whether vulnerable groups within this cohort have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, to anticipate future demand and inform future service planning.

Data from the 45 and Up Study will be used to achieve the following objectives:

  • Examine the impact of COVID-19 on missed or delayed attendance to a range of health care services and access to medication; perceived impact of delays in treatment on health, overall, by demographic characteristics including indicators of potential vulnerability (i.e. individuals with chronic health conditions, culturally and linguistically diverse and non-English speaking background, employment status, rural and remote location, living situation and low socioeconomic status)
  • Identify changes in lifestyle and self-reported health status prior to and during COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Identify the impact of COVID-19 on self-assessed physical health and mental wellbeing overall, and by demographic characteristics including indicators of potential vulnerability
  • Assess the use and acceptability of telehealth services, overall, and by demographic characteristics including indicators of potential vulnerability
  • Examine levels of concern around risk of COVID-19 infection, confidence in knowledge to prevent infection, and sources, and trust in sources, of information about COVID-19, overall, and by demographic characteristics including indicators of potential vulnerability
  • Examine changes in social contact and perceived levels of social support during COVID-19, overall, and by demographic characteristics including indicators of potential vulnerability
  • Assess the level of financial concern, and financial impact, of COVID-19, overall, and by demographic characteristics including indicators of potential vulnerability