Mature reforms for an ageing population – that would be progress
The economic ramifications of an ageing Australian population have been discussed time and time again. But the happiness of our older citizens has received much less attention. Michael O’Neill, from National Seniors Australia, believes the time has come for us to look at the changing face of ageing and re-examine our priorities.
If the measure of progress in a society is the way it treats its oldest and most vulnerable, we’ve still got a long way to go.
For many older Australians, life is a struggle. All too often, they get by on meagre pensions or dwindling investments hit hard by ongoing global financial turmoil, while governments point to their homes as evidence of wealth – as if having a roof over their heads was enough to promote well-being.
The trouble is too many have to think twice before turning on the heater in winter, or fixing the broken steps for fear of being unable to pay for them. Others are growing their own vegetables to keep the weekly grocery bill down.
And what happens when those seniors can no longer stay in those homes? Pending Government reforms may see them selling or mortgaging the family home to fund their aged care. Their children, battling to get a foot on the property ladder, can say good-bye to their inheritance.
Is that progress?
It’s been more than a century since the age pension was introduced for men aged over 65 and for women over 60. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the average life expectancy for men was 55 and 59 for women.
In 2007 medical science had pushed out those figures to 79 and 84 respectively. Dementia is increasing as more and more Australians reach advanced old age, while others wait longer for hip and knee replacements on growing hospital waiting lists.
But when it comes to spending priorities, nursing homes and hospital beds rank poorly against fighter jets and broadband networks.
Beyond the health implications, the reality of growing life expectancy is that living longer means we’ll all now have to work longer to fund these extended years.
Tell that to today’s 50-somethings – who find themselves unemployed three times longer than their younger peers – and you’ll raise an eyebrow or two.
The niggling feeling that age is a liability after receiving your 60th rejection letter has finally been backed up by National Seniors research.
According to the report The Elephant in the Room, age discrimination in the workplace is alive and well. These attitudes are outdated. As a society, on this front we’ve made little progress despite countless studies that show mature age workers are the most enthusiastic, productive and reliable members of any team.
It’s time to turn things around. The reality is most older Australians are physically, socially and mentally active. They contribute millions of dollars to the economy, both as paid and unpaid workers. It is up to us to harness those skills and enthusiasm to the benefit of everyone.
And for those, regardless of age, who aren’t doing so well – who need a hospital bed or help making ends meet – it’s time for governments and society to step up.
Now, that would be progress.
Michael O’Neill is the CEO of National Seniors Australia Limited. Michael joined National Seniors in August 2006 and is responsible to the Board for all of National Seniors’ membership, representative and commercial operations. An Economist by training Michael has extensive experience in managing representative bodies having led Queensland and National groups in the agricultural and mining sectors. He has also operated his own consulting and agricultural businesses.
William Bourke
November 23, 2011 at 12:19 am
Ageing is a triumph of modern Australia
Good post Michael. Older Australians contribute so much and have so much more to offer… if only we focused on it as a nation. We seem to blame them for our national woes. Ageing is not a crisis, it’s a triumph of our society, unless you would like to go back to a life expectancy of 55!
High immigration deters investment in older Australians, as well as other under-represented groups in the workforce. We at the STABLE POPULATION PARTY aim to change that.
William
http://www.PopulationParty.com
foggy
December 3, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Reforms that matter.Mature reforms.
I fully agree with your views.Lifespan has increased.Ageing people may be healthy, maybe wise but certainly have tons of experience to fall back on and offer to other workers.Yes they have lots of enthusiasm too.Must it go waste if nobody has the will to harness it?