Ageing population impacting Riverland’s long-term health

LONG-term health conditions including diabetes, arthritis and cancer are more prevalent in the Riverland than in the rest of the state and the country, census data has shown.

All three Riverland council areas have a higher percentage of the population suffering from arthritis, cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease and lung conditions than South Australian and Australian averages, coinciding with an above-average median age for the three councils.

Loxton general practitioner Dr Peter Hamilton said many of the long-term conditions found to be prevalent in the region occurred more frequently in older people.

“Things like prostate cancer for example become much more common with age and (are) relatively rare in young people,” he said.

“We also know that there is less money spent per person in rural areas on health than in the cities, so rural people… (have) issues getting access to services and have less money spent on their health than city-dwellers. 

“That may have impacts… like how early things are diagnosed and on accessing preventative medicine. 

“With diabetes and hypertension for example, often early diagnosis and management prevents complications.”

Dr Hamilton said the higher rates of arthritis and cancer in the Riverland may be due to specific occupational and lifestyle factors in the region.

“There are a lot of manual labourers, particularly block workers and farmers in our region, and they certainly are prone to wear-and-tear and degenerative changes to joints like arthritis,” he said.

“I suspect we probably have a higher rate of skin cancer than other areas as well because of our exposure.

“It’s pretty hot in the summer and especially in the older generation people didn’t know as much about covering up and sunscreen, so we see a lot of skin damage in older people. 

“On the other hand getting vitamin D and enough sunshine is also important and finding that balance can be a bit tricky.”

Dr Hamilton said regular check-ups and exercise, along with a healthy diet, could help prevent long-term health conditions.

“Preventative care is really important. See your doctor and have a check-up to make sure that you’re not missing something that could be managed,” he said.

“For example cholesterol and blood pressure management might help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. 

“Also self-care, like diet, exercise and keeping ourselves active, is really important. 

“Going outside and getting some sunshine and fresh air, and keeping our weight under control are vital to maintaining good health.”