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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