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NewsWhy we’re going to get older but not always milder in the "Roaring Twenties"
Why we’re going to get older but not always milder in the "Roaring Twenties"

Why we’re going to get older but not always milder in the "Roaring Twenties"

Now our century has formally come of age, at least by hitting the once-sacred 21 years old milestone, it’s worth asking if older Australians represent a bona fide social movement.

The ageing population are a demographic phenomenon largely thanks to their sheer numbers triggered long ago by many parents’ post-WW2 procreation.

Consider also that anyone aged 50 and over is labelled as a mature age worker, and you have a cohort which is massive but not always cohesive.

Several relevant and noble organisations use labels such as ‘seniors’ or ‘ageing’ to describe their brands in Australia. In the UK there’s one called the Silver Surfers and the USA they even talk about the 'modern elder' movement.

But which of the above, if any, would you identify with?

Can the mere coincidence of age unite people in a joint enterprise which isn’t distracted by their differences in politics, income, education etc?

We’d like to build the FiftyUp Club up beyond a buying group for electricity, life insurance and other necessities - essential and valued though they may be - into something larger in scope and ambition.

We’re interested in what it would look like to widen the scope to include actions and discussion on the issues which affect those aged over 50 in particular.

These may include areas such a retirement income, health, wealth, age discrimination and access to work.

There may also be more significant issues such as intergenerational wealth transfers (in short how and when we pass on our assets) and other areas where we might feel or be called in to show responsibility and leadership.

As with any club, it’s up to the members to decide and push any of these or other burning issues. Self-interest may be a driving force but not always.

You may have your own list. If so please share it in the comments field below. If you think it’s all a load of baloney, share that too!

Wikipedia defines a social movement as the loosely organised effort of a large group to achieve a goal and to promote or even resist change.

These movements now use tech, such as social media, to mobilise their ‘people’, advocate for them and drive civic engagement and collective actions.

In a nod to its uproarious counterpart 100 years ago this decade has been tagged the ‘Roaring Twenties’, which begs the question: who's going to be roaring loudest?

How can we best develop a movement for older Australians and what might  it achieve?

Over to you.

 

Any information is general advice, it does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs.

 
Originally posted on .

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Why we’re going to get older but not always milder in the "Roaring Twenties"

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Someone
Someone from WA commented:

Sounds like a good club to be in. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Once again the banks want to stop us using cheques, not all elderly can work a computer or know how to set them up. Some love their old passbook account. The banks also want to stop us using cash. We need someone to stand up for the elderly and common sense. On 9/10/20 Coles software went down, I had to just leave the groceries I found and then go to Woolworths. We can talk about cashless when Telstra can guarantee their EFTPOS lines and terminals will not break, large stores who have their own software can guarantee the same. The banks need to work out a foolproof method purchasing goods from a private seller (like farmers market, garage sales) The banks charge merchants a fee for every transaction, cashless is very profitable, no branches, no ATMs, no service just rake in the money. The banks need to figure out how to stop identity fraud and hacking into the computer. I know young people have had their accounts cleared out and they are tech savvy. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

I tried to research the merchant fees bank charge. Most charge over 1 percent one 1.8 percent. So if a business turnover is 100k the banks charge 1k, not bad for computer time. Businesses will pass this costs on. If I am wrong please correct it in a new post 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Something else to think about, what about information on SMSF? Apparently $100,000 is enough to start one, not $500,000. Also there could be discounts on advice? A forum to talk about pitfalls, how to start, how to gain maximum benefits etc? Apparently it costs a bomb to start one up, up to $13K at least? 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Why can’t gyms have an afternoon specials for seniors? There’s no classes after 10 and before 5 in most of them. I’d love to workout with a PT that keeps our unfitness and mobility in mind. Plus a way for us to gather afterwards as a club to talk about troubles etc for our mental well-being. Make new friends 

Rose
Rose from VIC commented:

A lot of over 50s are now travelling either pulling a caravan or just staying in motels. There are big caravan and motel chains a discount on those would be great. Caravan parks I know of are big 4 Motels flagstaff But there may be more or better ones 

Rose
Rose from VIC commented:

Rose I have travelled with Oshannessys, scenic, apt, Kings, and seniors tours. They often ran a tour with heaps of spare seats. Are there any other entertainment things that do not sell out - theatre, cinema during the day, AFL when interstate clubs are playing a non popular club, the comedy shows 

Rose
Rose from VIC replied to Rose:

I agree. I have seen the MCG that holds 100k only a quarter full, I have been in cinemas with 10 people in them. Croydon cinema had a Seniors deal in the quite times at a very discounted fee, they did well with this idea as they got a crowd in off peak times. Not sure if they still do this. 

Rose
Rose from VIC replied to Rose:

On Monday I went to a Chinese restaurant, there were only 7 people. I am sure they could do Monday night 50 up specials every now and then. 

Rose
Rose from VIC commented:

Some motels or travel companies have times where they can't sell all of the spots in off peak times. These companies could advertise on 50 up club to fill their vacancies at a discounted price. Both parties win we get a cheap holiday and they get cash flow 

Rose
Rose from VIC commented:

My passion and interest as an over 50 is health and wellbeing. It about being proactive and empowered to have choices and make decisions about how we age well. Most of the aged care framework and policy is around supporting people once they get to the place of 'needing' support. We need to focus on prevention, be rewarded for taking care of ourselves by government and health insurance companies. We need to have knowledge and access to local resources that can support us to age well and be socially connected. Ageism is also an ongoing issue and societal attitudes need to change.. Marcus Riley, Positive ageing Expert has a series of podcasts, Booming, on ageing successfully worth listening to. 

Tish
Tish from NSW commented:

Expanding the 50 up Club is supported. I would suggest that the first decision is to decide whether it remains a Buying Promotions Group or morphs into a non political forum or 'Voice" for seniors but retaining the benefits of a Buying Group. I favour the latter. To me there are many topics that as a collective we could lobby the Government of the day on. For example each State has its own Seniors Card. Why? If it was one card It could be utilised as a discount card and promoted by Business subscribers. In some States it works partially like this but as each State has its own rules it's difficult to understand the offerings. Complimentary to this the Buying Group could negotiate Special deals or rates as is currently on offer' although I do wonder the value of the Life Insurance proposals. May I also suggest that when offering deals on Health, Electricity, Gas etc there is a comparison table so you know whether the deal is beneficial. For example the HCF proposal really is no cheaper than most other providers other than the one off lump sum offering. Health is an important Issue for us oldies and maybe we could get a type of no claim bonus or increased benefit amounts on Extras where usage is minimal. A number of other buying deals could be considered for: Large retail stores, like Myer, Harvey Norman, E & S Trading, DJ's where a standard discount is applied. Services, like Banking, Property Maintenance , Technology Assistance, Home Assistance, Electricians, Plumbers, etc are all occupations where reliability and cost are important, in short we hate getting ripped off. Others have suggested articles on Pensions, Residential Homes, Financial Management etc highlighting the positives and negatives which I think would be most helpful. All of the above would depend commitment and cost, but as many retirees have spare time I feel it would be possible to create a powerful lobby group supported by volunteers . 

Tish
Tish from NSW commented:

Hi Chris - I'm pleased to see your comments as I believe there are many things which need fixing for us "older people". Yes, I agree, one item is the name of our collective and whilst I've not heard one yet that I think really fits, there are a couple of things which are bugging me which I'd like to mention here. My husband and I have decided to make our lives easier in "21". I see many fellow members are looking to make big changes. Might I suggest we make some small changes to start with: Firstly the size of type face (font) which is used in print these days and it's colour - grey and tiny sized type is extremely difficult to read and I'm convinced leads to deterioration of one's sight. Let's fix that - particularly as most cases will see a huge expanse of blank space on the label, document, advertisement or whatever the tiny type is written on indicating that no thought has been given to how people are supposed to be able to read the jolly thing! My second beef is accessibility - mostly relating to opening containers and doors. Last year I wrecked my shoulder trying to open a brand new fridge door which the end determination was "had an extreme seal" ie additional magnets installed in the rubber seal to promote energy efficiency! Everyday we are faced with design faults presented in the form of seals on containers and other annoying and downright damaging situations due to lack of thought as to how such items are likely to be opened by the elderly with their arthritic hands, lack of strength in joints and muscles and paper thin skin which often shreds at the sight of these difficulties. Let's push for some sensible guidelines which manufacturers and container designers and producers need to adhere to before they are approved by Australian Standards organisations for use in this country and let loose on the aged of Australia. 

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