General News
19 April, 2023
Vital medical check warning
PEOPLE are foregoing important health checks such as hearing and eye tests because of increasing costs-of-living.
New research by Specsavers reveals the alarming trend which is leaving Aussies at greater risk of developing conditions that could be silently progressing, resulting in a greater impact on health in the long run.
The findings have revealed that Australians are already adjusting spending to make ends meet by less socialising (58 per cent), putting off holidays (55 per cent) and spending less on groceries (53 per cent).
Now, health is under threat, with over half (52 per cent) of Australians aged 18-50 forgoing health appointments, including healthcare costs and health services.
But it isn’t just families suffering, older Australians (aged 65+) who are already more vulnerable to health issues are making cuts to everyday expenses by socialising less (71 per cent) and spending less on groceries (54 per cent), but also by compromising on their health with almost half (46 per cent) forgoing health appointments.
Specsavers Cairns Central Shopping Centre audiology professional Angus McKenzie said concerningly, this might be putting already health-compromised older Australians at greater risk.
“While both families and older Australians are making the basic lifestyle adjustments like reducing spending on socialising, food and holidays, healthcare professionals are concerned that health appointments are being put on the backburner,” he said.
“We can’t stress enough how important it is to maintain your regular health appointments, including your hearing and your eye checks.
“We understand that parents, families, and older Australians have shifted their priorities to combat the cost of living – but your health is something that you can’t put a price on.”
Mr McKenzie said getting eyes tested regularly was critical because many eye conditions, like glaucoma, were characterised by a lack of symptoms, and if left untreated, could lead to severe complications, even loss of vision.
“Similarly, we encourage anyone who is experiencing changes in their hearing to speak to one of our audiology professionals,” he said.
“Hearing loss can deteriorate over time, and if left untreated can lead to lowered mental stimulation and isolation from friends and family.
“When it comes to both eyes and ears, simply waiting for the problem to go away may be extremely detrimental to your overall health.”
