Ageing not so BONZA for some

There is no doubt that Boomers (aged 50-68 ABS) have had a wonderfully full life through the efforts of previous governments in developing health clinics when we were mere babies and then the subsequent development of high schools to cope with our numbers.

Finally then being offered free tertiary education that allowed us to become the most educated generation in history was something special.

Thousands have indicated to BONZA at Boomer expos, on-line, Centrelink and job search offices, face to face and at Boomer presentations over a seventeen year period that they are grateful with the opportunities that were offered in the past by employers and the liberated society we demanded that opened up the world to us in the arts and humanities and allowed us freedom of thought and action.

Many still have no qualms about re-inventing themselves through more training and skill enhancement because they have no fear of failure in education due to our background.

This positive attitude also allows many to seek out technology training so they can compete with younger generations in IT knowledge and usage.

Many Boomers who choose to leave school early in their youth for menial jobs now have some adversity to technology but they are not the majority as most Boomers struggle with technology broadly.

It is time for us all to face the ageing process and the BONZA Report comes to grips with the realities of that process and how Boomers view it.

The ageing process for Boomers based on our feedback and research comes in three stages.

Stage 1: The younger Boomers need to be dealt with as a separate job search group if they are unemployed or under-employed. By focusing on them as a group, the government can market their true value as skilled and motivated workers without them being subjected to the inevitable negative comparisons to other generations.

Bonza suggests a Maturelink office in very city so they can seek assistance, training and resources relevant to their age group and most will work again.

So a Maturelink office for all over 50s is mandatory then they can access mature age information, research and interaction with fellow Boomers and continue with the 'my generation' feel.

The younger generations only raise their anxiety levels and their negativity about being 'too old' for serious commitment to job search and training because they compare themselves to those generations instead of accepting who and what they are.

Employer Mature Age Policies are essential to encourage workers to stay until retirement because Boomers are leaving secure work in droves and would stay if they were treated differently and felt valued.

Stage 2: The majority of older Boomers (over 60s) are semi-retired or underemployed and are not on the dole. They exist from day to day on life savings, some cash jobs assisting family or friends and the dole.

They are the ones that are concerned about the future with 20 to 30 years of retirement and how they will survive it socially and economically with a $60-70 thousand average superannuation to support themselves.

They are caring for grandchildren but are still asked to job search if they are on the dole and they cannot afford to keep fit or eat well so health deteriorates through dental, obesity and anxiety problems.

This is why the suggestions for Boomer community hubs, childcare for welfare and training opportunities are so relevant.

They struggle with the demands of Job Services or the modern employer for current certificates and work experience and only a small percentage actually go to Job Services to look for work. If they do go it's for Centrelink compliance purposes only.

There are only few jobs for over 60s so a more realistic approach is an organised government volunteer program that allows for the age group to be accessed by the community to do worthwhile projects and receive the dole if they need it.

This should be compulsory so we are not sitting on the job search cycle which is a waste of time and resources.

Stage 3: The over 70 group become more aware of their mortality and their health declines then voluntary euthanasia becomes more relevant.

There is a need for debate on this issue and a possible referendum (perhaps coupled with the upcoming indigenous vote). We want to die with dignity and not be a burden on society.

Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie is now and advocate for voluntary euthanasiaand is quoted on the BONZA web site.

Families should be encouraged to look after their parents because government will not be able to care for so many so let's offer incentives to allow granny flats to be built.

The family focus can be extended to caring payments or Newstart for grandparents to look after their grandchildren.

The maternity/paternity leave provided by government and private sectors would be significantly reduced if grandparents were paid for their time caring for their grandchildren.

It would also provide them with worthwhile work rather than be involved in an often futile job search.

By encouraging grandparents to perform this role, it would also reduce child care payments provided by government.

These savings could be diverted into funding superannuation for the caring grandparents and will negate the need for parental leave in many cases.

Health and fitness routines are paramount for this age group and there will be a need for medical centres that are community based and age specific so we don't clog the hospital systems.

The community Boomer hub centres will also guarantee that Boomers will keep assisting Boomers as they decline physically as the fitter ones look after those who are not so fortunate.

Overview

We are the generation that is causing all the concern by governments, employers and society over economic and social participation.

We are the ones who do not have enough superannuation to assist us financially as we age.

Allow us some voice as a group and hope for the future by seriously considering some of our recommendations in addressing those concerns.

Look for government policy that addresses the concerns raised here as issues arise over an ageing Australia.

Focus on us as a group so our concerns for our generation can be met.