Lack of health care looms large in minds of ageing rural Australians

Australia Broadcast Center

19-07-2025

Whenever Kerry and Kathy MacDonald head to the main street of their home town in outback Queensland, it is rarely a quick trip.
The Longreach locals always spot a familiar face or two and stop for a chat.
"I think we live in the best town in the country. We know all the people, there's plenty to do," Mrs MacDonald said.
It is that social connection the couple was desperate to keep when Mr MacDonald's health began to decline several years ago.
Since 2020, the 80-year-old, who has a heart condition, has made multiple trips to see specialists in Brisbane.
It is a 2,400-kilometre round trip, which is no easy task for the couple.
"As you get older, each trip is worse," Mrs MacDonald said.
"It takes us longer. We now have to stop three times instead of driving straight through."
Mr MacDonald was offered a spot in a three-year trial in Brisbane for a treatment that could help prolong his life.
Mrs MacDonald said their eldest son had offered them a place to stay in Brisbane.
In the end, they stayed put.
"It would have created so much upheaval to us that I feel it would have had a more detrimental effect on Kerry's health and probably mine," Mrs MacDonald said.
Across rural Queensland, where adequate health services are lacking, many residents face similar heartache when forced to travel long distances or permanently leave communities they are connected to.
Data shows your postcode is directly linked to life expectancy.
The most recent figures from Queensland Health show a sliding scale of mortality rates, with 75.2 years the median age of death in very remote areas, compared to 81.7 years in major cities.
People in the most disadvantaged areas are also likely to die three years earlier than those in higher socio-economic areas.
The leading cause of death is coronary heart disease, which is largely preventable, followed by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
About 17 per cent of the Queensland population is aged 65 or older, according to state government figures.
Over the next five weeks, the ABC will explore the challenges Queenslanders face as they age, particularly while living outside of major centres.
We will also share stories of people who are challenging the limitations of their postcodes, to show it is possible to age well wherever you live.
Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) president Danielle Allan said health services in rural and remote communities were often stretched to the limit.
"Some of our communities are waiting five to six weeks before they even see their general practitioner," Dr Allan said.
Dr Allan said cost-of-living pressures in recent years had forced more people to move to regional areas, which had compounded the issue.
"This year we've had an increase in the number of junior doctors electing to train particularly in rural general practice, so that's a really good sign," she said.
"But it's three to five years before those boots hit the ground and in that time you've got increasing population, increasing demand.
"So you're almost like the rat on the wheel — you're constantly moving but not necessarily feeling like you're achieving much."
The RDAQ has been pushing for increased funding for health care.
"Thirty-eight per cent of the Queensland population actually live in rural and remote areas, so when you think about that, do we actually spend 38 per cent of the health budget in those same areas?" Dr Allan said.
"We certainly don't have 38 per cent of the health workforce.
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia care finder service manager Terri-Ann Dwyer said isolation was one of the biggest challenges affecting older Queenslanders and their ability to age well.
"We're finding people are having to move away to access health services and other support," she said.
"That has grief, loss and trauma associated with it … especially if it's something that is forced upon somebody."
Ms Dwyer said the isolation was more keenly felt by those no longer able to drive.
"Access to public transport is really tough in regional areas and often non-existent in rural and very remote areas," she said.
Ms Dwyer said there was "massive demand" and "huge waiting lists" for residential aged care spots, but older Queenslanders should always ask for help.
"You've worked really hard all your life, you've contributed to our communities in so many valuable ways," she said.
"It is our time now to ensure that we provide the most appropriate services and supports so you can live the rest of your life in the way that works for you the best."
The MacDonalds plan to stay in their own home for as long as possible, with the help of local medical services and technology.
Mr MacDonald now wears a special watch that alerts his wife if he has had a fall.
"I get a call within 10 seconds, and then if I don't answer it within 10 or 20 seconds it goes straight to the ambulance," Mrs MacDonald said.
"We have doctors that look after us very well. If we need specialist treatment we're sent away, [but] we feel we don't miss out too much."
This story is part of a series exploring how regional Queenslanders are ageing well outside the capital city.