Millions of Australians are being asked to take a free online Life Check on a new website launched, as the Liberal National Government continues rolling out its More Choices For A Longer Life measures, supporting Australians to live longer, better lives.
“Taking a Life Check means having more choices for a longer life,” said Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt AM.
“Life Checks have been carefully designed to help your health, wealth, work and social wellbeing.
“This is one of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make in 2019 and it’s something to tell you friends about, because spending a few minutes taking a Life Check could make a lifetime of difference.”
Ten million Australians aged 45 and over can now access free advice to plan and take positive steps towards better health and greater security.
“We should be aiming to live well to 100 or more,” said Minister Wyatt. “We’re already living 25 years longer than we did a century ago and we owe it to ourselves, our families and the nation to live the best we can.
“Average Australian life expectancy is now 82.5 years and it is projected by 2050 there will be more than 40,000 centenarians.”
The online Life Checks cover four areas that research has shown are keys to our wellbeing: Health, work, finance and social life.
Two Life Checks are available, for people aged 45 to 64 and for those aged 65 and older, with the results and recommendations available via email in an easy-to-read format.
“An important aspect of Life checks is assessing people’s financial preparedness for the future,” said Minister Wyatt.
“Four in 10 Australians over the age of 55 do not have a financial plan for the next five years, with even fewer people having a plan that extends beyond that.
“Options for employment are also included, whether the focus is to keep earning or to stay involved in the community.
“With so many types of work available and flexible working arrangements, retirement is no longer the only choice.”
The health area of the quiz focuses on risk factors for preventable disease, with research showing that nearly nine out of 10 people over 65 are living with at least one of eight chronic diseases.
Social and community connections are also essential for healthy ageing, with engagement through some form of work, volunteering or community activities giving people a strong sense of purpose.
“Just taking the quiz is a positive step, offering encouragement and accessible resources to improve things you may want to change to realise your dreams and help future proof your life,” Minister Wyatt said.
“Life Checks aim to provide Australians with a clear picture of how they are currently tracking and how they can prepare for the next stages in their lives.
“They are totally private and no personal information is stored at any time during the Life Checks process.”
The Liberal National Government is investing $6.5 million in the Life Checks program, as part of its comprehensive commitment to the More Choices for a Longer Life ageing and aged care package announced in the 2018–19 Budget.
Thanks to our Government’s commitment to a stronger economy, the Budget includes a record investment in Australia’s future, with an additional $5 billion for aged care over four years.
To take a Life Check, visit http://lifechecks.gov.au
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