For older Australians some old chestnuts will remain on the political burner.

The end of the year holds a chilling fascination with reminders of what has already happened and what might lie ahead for us.

And looking back on the subjects we’ve covered in 2016 in the FiftyUp Club it's a fair bet many old faithfuls will be back on our agenda in 2017.

So for a quick summary of what was, and what might be, and in no particular order:

Private Health Insurance:  A key cost of living issue and we’ll learn early in the year what the April 1 increase on premiums is for all funds. The government is working on a reform agenda for the system and top of the list is affordability. They’ve taken some steps such as reducing the costs of prosthesis, such as heart valves, but will it be enough?

Life Insurance:  Again there’s plenty of change around the way commissions are paid to those who sell the various life insurance products. There’s also more focus not just on the cost of premiums but also on the likelihood of any payout should you succumb to any of the misfortunes listed in detail in the product disclosure statements. We’re told more of us need cover but the costs are seriously mounting.

Superannuation: A key political hot potato after the treasurer and PM faced a grass roots backlash during the election against the super ‘reforms’ they claimed would only effect four per cent of older Australians. A watered-down system limiting some of the tax breaks was the compromise but there’s still pressure from various quarters to go even further. Expect your super to be under further siege into the future.

Housing: The lack of affordability for those starting off on the housing tree at the bottom and the lack of flexibility for the older ones at the top is vexing the policy makers. Many believe restrictions to negative gearing concessions, to reduce the growing proportion of homes being snapped up by investors, would help first-home buyers. But others such as the government and the housing industry think otherwise. There’ll be plenty of debate about reducing stamp duty and finding better ways for older Australians to liberate the equity in their homes or to move to smaller more suitable properties without penalties.

Aged Pension: By now you should be aware that on Jan 1 the pension eligibility test tightens in terms of the assets, outside the family home, you can hold. More than 300,000 people are affected. It’s safe to predict the family home concession will face increasing  pressure to be included in the assets test.  The current beneficiaries  might be resistant to any change but those seeking ‘reform’ are very patient. Each year the proportion of those in work supporting those on the aged pension  becomes less sustainable.

Quality of Aged care/discrimination against and opportunity for older workers/ retirement options and growing life expectancy:  Four massive issues which will continue to be subject to various reports and inquiries but which all require much more action!

To end let me wish you all the very best for the Christmas holidays and the New Year and leave you with one last and I hope comforting thought.

Each day getting on for 1000 Australians turn 50. You are not alone.