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Do it for the community
Young Australians indicate desire to enter aged care for public good in survey.
A recent survey has revealed that just under 16 per cent of Australians would consider a career in aged care, with younger Australians – so-called millennials
– the most likely to be interested in work in the industry.
The study canvassed more than 2000 Australians. Of those interested in a career in aged care, the majority identified the positive community benefit as a motivating factor.
Although professional caring has traditionally been an occupation predominantly for women – and this was reflected in the answers from older members of the sample – the survey revealed an erosion of gender lines for respondents aged 18 – 24.
PROS
•“ Because it’ s in high demand and you can give back to the community.”
•“ Helping others in need is gratifying.”
•“ I feel our elderly are often left behind in society, and I value their input in life in general. I have much empathy and respect for people much older than I am.”
•“ My dad currently receives care and I feel that I should do my part for the society, too.”
CONS
•“ Hours and pay will not cover bills and mortgage.”
•“ I don’ t have patience for that kind of work.”
•“ It’ s a very tedious and draining career where the rewards do not meet the effort.”
•“ My girlfriend is in aged care and it just sounds too hard!”
•“ Probably the perception that it’ s too underpaid, and I have a family to support.”
Not milk: adults ducking dairy
Survey shows Australians often make dietary choice without a diagnosis.
Most Australian adults avoiding dairy products do so without a medical diagnosis, in a bid to relieve symptoms such as bloating, a survey has found.
Experts say self-diagnosis is hazardous and concerning, as people avoiding dairy are at risk of nutritional deficiencies and their symptoms could relate to an underlying health condition.
The survey, carried out by CSIRO and the University of Adelaide, found that 1 in 6 adults choose to avoid milk and dairy foods. Three-quarters do so to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps, bloating or wind, while a small number don’ t like the taste or think dairy products are fattening.
“ The findings are further evidence of a widespread tendency for consumers to exercise control over their health by eliminating dietary factors considered suspect, without medical evidence or oversight,” the researchers said.
Decisions to avoid dairy foods were influenced by sources such as the internet, media, friends or alternative practitioners. CSIRO researcher Bella Yantcheva said the number of people restricting their diet without a medical reason is concerning, especially for women who need calcium to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
“ It means there is potential for nutritional deficiencies or imbalances, or the risk that an underlying health condition could be going untreated,” Yantcheva said.
Dietician Dr Rosemary Stanton said self-diagnosis is hazardous, as people need to know if they have a medical problem needing treatment.
For adults who don’ t like the taste, the Australian Dietary Guidelines( ADG) set out alternatives such as calcium-enriched soy, oats, rice or almond milk. Recommended daily amounts for dairy, alternatives:
• Women aged 19 – 50: two-and-a-half serves, increase to four after age 50
• Men aged 19 – 70: two-and-a-half serves a day, increase to three-and-a-half after age 70( A serve equals 250 millilitres of milk, two slices or 40 grams of cheese, or a 200-gram tub of yoghurt.) ■
AAP
2 agedcareinsite. com. au