Ageing not so BONZA for some

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.