Australia is facing a surge in hospital presentations in older adults.

Between 2015–16 and 2019-20, hospitalisations among people aged 75-84 increased by an average of 3% annually, the largest rise of any age group.

This growing demand places significant pressure on the healthcare system, contributing to poor patient flow, extended stays in emergency departments, and even ambulance ramping.

In response, some health system leaders recently called for the creation of standalone geriatric hospitals to specifically cater to older patients.