Australians living longer without disability
On average, as Australians we can expect to live over one-fifth of our lives with some level of acquired disability. But our disability-free life expectancy is improving, according to a new report.
The report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that between 2003 and 2015 the rate of disability and of severe or core activity limitation decreased for both men and women. This has led to an overall increase in our disability-free life expectancy.
The results show that a boy born in 2015 could expect to live to 63 years old without experiencing disability, and then for around 17 years with some level of disability. A girl born in 2015 could expect to live for 65 years free of disability and a further 19 years with some level of disability.
At age 65, Australians can generally expect to live over half of their remaining years with some level of disability.