Eight out of ten Australians are concerned about a lack of infrastructure and affordable housing amid the expanding and ageing population, according to new research findings.

Galaxy's nationwide poll shows that more than 90 per cent of the country's dwellers think both federal and state governments should do more as citizens over 65 doubles and the number of taxpayers supporting them halves.

The research commissioned by The Benevolent Society found the vast majority of people support calls for a high allocation of low cost or subsidised housing.

"What struck us the most about the research results is the high level of concern across all age groups - from 18-year-olds to over 50-year-olds," said Richard Spencer, CEO of The Benevolent Society.

"It's surprising that 90 per cent of respondents expressed concern about Australia meeting the costs associated with our ageing population, and even more in each age group agreed on the need to create more affordable housing."

The results are in line with recent studies indicating elderly renters on low incomes were one of the most vulnerable segments in the housing market, according to Professor Peter Phibbs from the University of Western Sydney.

"All tiers of government need to do more to provide better housing opportunities for older Australian renters," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

"State governments can use their land use planning systems to encourage the sorts of affordable housing outcomes that would be suitable for this group."

Mr Spencer said senior Australians often refuse moving into nursing homes.

"They want more choices for late old age than the current options of staying in unsuitable houses where they risk accidents, institutionalised nursing home care, or distant retirement villages where they are cut-off from family, friends and established support networks," he said.