Health checks on the backburner as cost of living hits hard

New research from Specsavers has revealed the increasing cost of living is causing important health checks, such as hearing and eye tests, to fall off the priority list.

This 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 doing 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 more than half (52 per cent) of Australian parents aged 18-50 forgoing health appointments, including healthcare costs and health services.

But it is not just families suffering – older Australians (aged 65 and older) who are already more vulnerable to health issues are making cuts to everyday expenses by choosing to socialise less (71 ) and spending less on groceries (54 per cent), but also by compromising on their health with almost half (46 per cent) forgoing health appointments. Concerningly, this is putting already health-compromised older Australians at even 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.

“We can’t stress enough how important it is to maintain your regular health appointments, including your hearing and your eye checks,” local Specsavers optometrist, David Truong said.”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.

Getting your eyes tested regularly is critical because many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are characterised by a lack of symptoms, and if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, even loss of vision.

SpecSavers is also encouraging anyone who is experiencing changes in their hearing to speak to one of their Audiology Professionals.

Hearing loss can deteriorate over time, and if left untreated can lead to lowered mental stimulation and isolation from friends and family. Some studies have also found that hearing loss can lead to an increased risk of dementia.

“When it comes to both eyes and ears, simply waiting for the problem to go away may be extremely detrimental to your overall health,” Mr Truong said.

These emerging trends are mirrored by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which shows that Australia is experiencing its largest annual increase in living costs in more than two decades and, a recent Roy Morgan study which found that 33 per cent of Australians are either cancelling or deferring medical appointments due to their expenses.

If you’re worried about health check costs, Specsavers offers bulk-billed eye health checks to everyone with a valid Medicare card, free 15-minute hearing checks, free aftercare, and a satisfaction guarantee, including optional payment plans should glasses or hearing devices be needed.

If you have noticed changes to your eyes, book an appointment with an optometrist by heading to specsavers.com.au/stores, or if you have noticed changes to your hearing, book a free 15-minute hearing check with a qualified audiology professional by heading to specsavers.com.au/hearing