Senator Fifield: Seniors are the pillars of Australian community…

You asked Senator Fifield, “Where is the government support to highlight that older people are the pillars of Australian communities? Where is the government support to teach younger people to respect the wisdom of seniors?” 

And Senator Fifield answered…

Too often, conversations about Australia’s ageing population focus on the challenges, rather than the wonderful opportunities. I believe seniors are an asset that has yet to be fully tapped in our community.

The 2011 census showed that over 3.7 million Australians (16%) are over 65 years; more than 420,000 people are over the age of 85 (1.9%) and surprisingly there were 3,485 Centenarians. By 2050 it is estimated that around 23% of the population will be 65 and over, including 50,000 Centenarians.

This experience is vast and is a resource the nation needs. The good news is older Australians see for themselves far more active senior years, whether in retirement or work.

As full time workers become more time poor, seniors will play an even more important role in running many voluntary organisations. This also provides a great mentoring opportunity for younger Australians.

A vibrant civil society is crucial to any country that truly thrives, and seniors play and will continue to play a key role in the voluntary sector, in community organisations and in non-profits and charities. These organisations are the backbone of a cohesive community and seniors are the bedrock upon which many rest.

Older Australians have contributed so much through lifetimes of work building the nation and raising the next generation. To harness this national resource we need to develop a more positive attitude to ageing, to seniors and to people who face extra challenges. We should never limit people through low expectations.