Kathryn Greiner AO made a spirited address to Mosman Rotary about some issues, problems and opportunities associated with aging and retirement. Kathryn draws on a wealth of experience earned from a wide range of influential roles leading or guiding the sector including Director,
National Seniors Australia, and Past Chair, Council for the Aging.
She made some interesting observations about aging well and compared citizens in Mosman to the population more generally. Mosman residents tend to make more use of preventative medicine and exhibit lower rates of obesity which contributes to maintaining better health as they age.
The following is reprinted from this week’s Club newsletter, OoZoO.
The biggest problem with aging, in all areas, is loneliness and depression. Regarding transport, decision makers still often ignore the needs of older people, for example double cycleways in Paddington which disabled or older people will not be able to cross. Kathryn prefers the term “creative aging” to retirement. With many people wishing to remain in their familiar neighbourhood, the mantra is “right house, right home, right time”. People wish to age in place, and this could be enabled by modern technology.
Some retirement villages have luxury facilities which older people don’t want. New housing estate designers should tap into the experience and expertise of older people, so that their real needs are met.
The changing nature of work is also an important issue – what skills do older people need for the future? Agism is alive and well. Yet if those aged 50 to 69 increased their workforce participation rate by just 5%, there would be a 2.4% increase in GDP.
“Seniorpreneurs” start their own businesses. Kathryn closed by recommending that older people should join National Seniors