The population of Australians aged 85 years and over is especially important to watch.

Once Australians reach these older ages, the likelihood of needing help with mobility, self-care and other daily activities rises sharply.

In practical terms, just over half of the 85-plus cohort needs some form of daily care. As Australia ages, we must dedicate a larger workforce to health and aged-care related tasks. 

But the latest population data from the ABS allows us to look at how unevenly the aging process played out across Australia’s 100 largest towns (the Australian Bureau of Statistics calls them “significant urban areas”). 

Between 2001 and 2025, the number of residents aged 85-plus increased everywhere, but the winners of the ageing race depend on how we measure it. 

In percentage terms, Medowie in the Hunter region had the largest increase. Its 85-plus population rose from just 55 people in 2001 to 336 in 2025, an increase of 511 per cent.

Airlie Beach-Cannonvale followed, up 348 per cent, while Darwin’s 85-plus population rose by 297 per cent. Nelson Bay increased by 281 per cent, St Georges Basin-Sanctuary Point by 275 per cent and Hervey Bay by 268 per cent. 

These spectacular percentages need context. Small starting populations create large percentage changes. Broome, for example, had a 267 per cent increase, but that meant its 85-plus population grew from only 21 people to 77. 

The absolute numbers tell a different story

Melbourne added 61,666 residents aged 85 and over between 2001 and 2025, more than any other urban area.

Sydney added 54,731, Perth 29,063, Brisbane 26,794 and Adelaide 18,545. The Gold Coast-Tweed Heads added another 12,112, the Sunshine Coast 8184, Canberra-Queanbeyan 6118 and Newcastle-Maitland 5831. 

This is the first lesson for planners. The places with the fastest ageing rates are not necessarily those facing the largest increase in........

© The New Daily