Satellite # 44 Third Age Thoughts with Alan Greig

As Australia’s population ages retirement takes on a new face.

The Australian Government’s Intergenerational Report (IGR) projects that over the next 40 years the proportion of the population over 65 years will almost double to around 25%. For Australians aged 85 and over the growth is expected to be even more rapid.

ABS statistics advise that in 2003 close to 32% of people participating in the labour force were aged 45 to 64 years ( up from 24% in 1983). Between 2011 and 2030 the large generation born between 1946 and 1965(baby boomers) will be aged 65 years and over.

Less than 100 years ago people were not expected to live much past 65 years .Once they retired the thought was “I am now on the downhill slide into anonymity.”
To-day, due to advances in medical technology, a healthy male aged 62 is expected to live to almost age 86.

Thus the traditional concept of retiring to “take it easy” is receding in a pre-retirees thoughts. To-day they think in terms of a new life – renewal . The “take it easy” syndrome is but one of many options available to to-day’s retirees.

Retirees to-day have the opportunity to take on fulfilling activities and to accept challenging endeavours, they are able to participate in leisure activities when they want to – not just because it is the week end.

Retirement is one of life’s most important transitions and should be properly planned is one’s expectations are to be met. The old adage applies “ if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail”. This is where a retirement or a Third Age coach becomes useful.
275 words

Alan Greig is a professional coach specialising in Third Age ( retirement) issues.
Alan invites readers to share their retirement experiences or to write in with queries to P O Box 256 Mt Ommaney 4074 or email : agreig@gil.com.au