Balancing the health budget: chronic disease investment pays big dividends

Australians may be living longer but lifestyle-related chronic diseases are now the leading cause of illness, death and disability.

aged 45 and over have two or more chronic diseases, such as arthritis, asthma, back problems, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, diabetes and mental health conditions.

Health expenditure in Australia accounts for about 10% of GDP and the cost of…