The Australian Seniors Series: 100 Year Lifespan report reveals more than a half (53.7%) of Australians over 50 believe the mid-life crisis is a thing of the past and is increasingly being replaced with the three-quarter life crisis. The reality is Australians are living longer compared to previous generations and therefore retiring later, starting families later – even pursuing pastimes later in life. A third (31.9%) of respondents admit to experiencing a three-quarter life crisis, and over two in five (45.9%) have seen others go through one.
The Australian Seniors Series: 100 Year Lifespan report explores the shifting attitudes and concerns of more than 5,000 Australians over 50 as they progress through life’s journey. The report covers varying topics including retirement; health and technology; ageism and public perception. As the generation that grew up at a time of dramatic social change, this demographic is seeking to redefine what ageing means today, and in the future.
The three-quarter life crisis is very much a real thing as the average life expectancy in Australia continues to increase. Although some of the reported triggers for this phase in life are anxiety-led, close to seven in 10 (67.1%) of those surveyed see the three-quarter life crisis as a good and healthy experience to go through.
Nick Haslam, Professor of Psychology at The University of Melbourne has studied the mid-life crisis and comments on the three-quarter life crisis and what this newly defined transition means for the ageing population.
“The three-quarter life crisis isn’t usually a time of despair. It’s more a turning point when people in their late 60s or early 70s reassess their priorities for life with the wisdom and perspective that comes with maturity. People may be troubled or in a rut when they enter the crisis period, unsure of the value of their work or jaded with the routines of their life, but they generally come out of it with a refreshed sense of possibility. They may embrace their work with a renewed sense of meaning, adopt new interests and hobbies, decide to spend more time with family and friends or plan new travels or study.
“Challenging the ageist stereotype that seniors are closed to new ideas, they see the future as a time of opportunity, challenge and enjoyment rather than one of threat, loss and resignation. This generation is redefining what ageing means: they see being a senior as a time for positively engaging with the world rather than gradually disengaging from it.”
Redefining retirement: Three-quarters of Australians see retirement as more of a transition rather than an event
In western nations the baby boomer* generation have been known as disruptors over the last 60 to 70 years and therefore, it is no surprise, over half (57.1%) of this cohort, feel the term ‘retired’ should be ’retired.’ In fact, they feel this time in their lives is the beginning of a new chapter rather than an end of something.
Contrary to this, over half (52.9%) of all those surveyed believe their careers define or have previously defined them to some extent with close to two in five (39.6%) planning to or wanting to continue working for as long as possible due to their occupation providing a sense of purpose or fulfilment in life.
The report further details that on average, Australians feel the ideal age to stop working is between 65 to 69 years old (this includes semi-retired seniors). However, due to life expectancy increasing more than three in five (61.8%) believe living longer requires more extended time in the workforce, even if only on a part-time basis. Meanwhile, for those who have yet to retire, one in three (34.8%) predict they are likely to re-enter the workforce or return to studying post-retirement.
Is Australia prepared for the ageing population? Three-quarters feel society is ill-equipped to deal with an ageing population, but are hopeful for what the future holds
More than three-quarters (75.9%) believe society is ill-prepared for the average life expectancy to increase to 100. Those that think this, agree a lack of aged care facilities (74.5%) is a key contributor. Whilst concerned about how society will handle the ageing population, this demographic is hopeful technology and advancements will improve how long they live and the quality of that life.
Furthermore, the large majority hope to see cures for some major cancers (79.1%) and treatment for dementia (74.4%) in their lifetime.
Older means wiser: More than two-thirds frustrated with poor public representation of Australia’s over 50
Turning the meaning of ‘senior’ on its head, and what it means to younger generations, Australia’s over 50s believe that being ‘older’ means ‘wiser’ with seven in 10 (72.5%) feeling this way.
Despite the fact Australia’s over 50s come with life experience and wisdom, this demographic believes ageism is still prevalent and very much a real aspect of today’s society. Seven in 10 (70.2%) feel ageism is driven by the population at large and that it is more of an issue for those who are retired. A similar amount (69.5%) do not feel general public perceptions of seniors reflect how they see themselves. Other annoyances faced by those surveyed include, being perceived as not being tech savvy (62.1%); unable to keep up with the times (54.8%) and being viewed as less productive (40.4%) or intolerant (34%).
And, regardless of this cohort having decades of experience in the workforce and younger generations having the potential to learn from them, a large majority (87.4%) think ‘ageism’ in the workplace is widespread these days, with a similar amount (87.4%) feeling it is a serious issue affecting over 50s. Furthermore, four in five (79.8%) believe the government does not do enough to entice businesses to employ over 50s.
Nevertheless, a considerable amount of over 50s (93.9%) think that seniors today are a lot more connected to the world than past generations due to advancements in technology.
“We’re living longer than ever before, and this presents both opportunities and challenges for all Australians. We wanted to examine these in detail and understand what the current and future impacts are, and will be, for Australia’s over 50s. Through insights gained from our research we are hoping to shed light on the issues facing this demographic such as public perceptions, ageism and the three-quarter life crisis, and ultimately shift some of the common misconceptions that exist.”
For further insights and more information on Australian Seniors visit https://www.seniors.com.au/news-insights/discover/australian-seniors-series-the-100-year-lifespan
