Older Italians in South Australia

In 2001, of the 25,047 Italy-born in South Australia, 10,944, that is 43%, were 65 years or more. According to the 2006 census, of the 22,463 Italians residing in the state well over half (55.4%: 12, 446) are over the age of 65. This is a very significant increase in the number of Italy-born 65 years or older in a span of only five years. If we take into consideration the fact that, at the time of the 2006 census, the age groups with the largest number of Italy-born were 65-74 years (6,966), followed by 55-64 years (5,608), we can predict then that at the next census (2011) the percentage of Italy-born 65 years or older will again have risen. This means that in the coming years, the number of elderly Italians requiring support services and assistance will intensify and as a result there will be a increasing need for more funding from the Government in order to maintain, and most importantly, increase services available for this particular and growing culturally specific group.

In the same pattern as 2001, in 2006 the Local Government Areas with the largest representation of Italy-born 65 years or older are Charles Sturt (2,368), Campbelltown (2,211), Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s (1,360), Port Adelaide/Enfield (997), West Torrens (981) and Salisbury (736). It is also of particular note that outside the metropolitan area the Mount Gambier (143), Adelaide Hills (105), Port Pirie (107) and Murray Bridge (88) areas also have significant numbers. Given that the largest representations of Italy-born in post-war South Australia were from Campania (27.9%), Calabria (23.5%), Veneto (10.5%) and Abruzzo (8.6%) (O’Connor 2004: 60) these would clearly be the regions from which most older Italians originate.