Healthcare is proving to be the most important election issue among older voters, a 1News Vote Compass survey has found, as politicians try to woo the over 65 crowd just days out from the election.
Close to 90 per cent of voters aged 65 and older have turned out to vote in the past three elections — the highest of any age group.
Data from the 1News Vote Compass survey shows among older voters, 22% thought healthcare was the most important election issue, followed by the cost of living at 18%, and the economy at 15%.
Crime rated 10%, followed by the environment at 8%.
Age Concern chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen said the Covid-19 outbreak and the response is continuing to cause delays for older people.
"We know there is some catch-up to happen for older people. We also know that sometimes being able to get an appointment at your local GP and doing that primary health can be really difficult," she said.
"We think there's some more work to be done to improve access for older people to healthcare."
The next government is also being encouraged to consider income streams for the elderly, especially with the age of eligibility for superannuation.
"We know that not everyone gets to age 65 at the same level. They may have had shocks or changes through life that means they haven't been able to save, that their physical health might not allow them to keep working, so obviously that's important."
Billings-Jensen said the cost of housing was making life tough financially and socially for those in retirement.
"The longer people can stay at home, the better, but we need a housing stock that enables people to do that.
"How can we stop people being isolated in their own homes and provide opportunities for people to get out, and be part of their communities?
"We know the impact of loneliness."
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