Seniors encouraged to stay involved

A report which has outlined the importance of improving workforce participation, encouraging life-long learning and better planning for seniors’ housing needs was received by the Federal government last Friday (26 August 2011).

The first report, titled Realising the economic potential of senior Australians: changing face of society, from the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians looks at how the nation can best harness the opportunities presented by a larger and more active community of older Australians.

In response to the panel’s report, a statement by the government states the “important work” is about ensuring Australia does not lose the “valuable experience” and skills of older Australians as they move into retirement, and that all seniors have the opportunity to stay involved in the community.

The panel, chaired by Everald Compton, identifies a number of themes from its public consultations and is designed to encourage debate around these and other issues.

Australians moving into their senior years are generally healthier, higher skilled and more financially secure than previous generations; providing a wider range of opportunities, both for the individual older Australians and the broader community.

The government statement says, “The growing number of older Australians is changing the shape of our society, and bringing with it challenges. But we must not lose sight of the enormous benefits and opportunities that come with a larger and more active community of seniors.”

The government also states seniors are choosing to contribute to the community and economy in “many different ways”; including caring for their parents or grandchildren, volunteering through community groups or continuing paid work.

The number of people over the age of 55 years has reportedly increased from about 24% to 34% in the last decade.

“However seniors choose to contribute, it’s more important than ever that we make the most of their potential across a range of policy areas, and do everything we can to build strong attachments to the community,” the government statement reads.

The panel, which now invites further input from the community as it continues deliberations, has held public meetings in Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth, with further meetings scheduled in Alice Springs, Armidale, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Sydney.