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Blueprint for an ageing Australia

By Everald Compton - posted Thursday, 4 September 2014


We intend to stay with this task for the long haul. We hope that you will too.

THE BEST YEARS

In October, I will reach the numerical age of 83, and I invite you all to give serious consideration to shouting me a wee dram of rare single malt whisky from deep in the highlands of Scotland, one that is at least 25 years old.

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On that day, I will once more acknowledge that I have not yet reached my prime.

I joke not.

I firmly believe that I still have the best years of my life ahead of me, as is the case with many thousands of Aussies in their Eighties.

All we ask is that we are given the opportunity to compete with younger Aussies on a level playing field and be given a fair go at proving that we have the wisdom, vision, loyalty and reliability to make a valuable contribution to the life and future of the nation through vibrant inter-generational partnerships.

I invite you to meet me here at the Press Club ten years from now to review what progress we have made in implementing our Blueprint for an Ageing Australia. I have no doubt that I will be here. You all look young and healthy enough to have a reasonable chance of making it here that day also.

As the legendary American singer, Al Jolson, once responded when someone suggested he was getting old and should retire: "You ain't seen nuthin'yet."

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This speech was delivered at the National Press Club yesterday launching  Blueprint for an Ageing Australia.



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About the Author

Everald Compton is Chairman of The Longevity Forum, a not for profit entity which is implementing The Blueprint for an Ageing Australia. He was a Founding Director of National Seniors Australia and served as its Chairman for 25 years. Subsequently , he was Chairman for three years of the Federal Government's Advisory Panel on Positive Ageing.

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