Ageing in Australia: a pointer to political dilemmas

Abstract

The social consequence of ageing is cumulative exclusion of a significant number of people from income, jobs, and meaningful roles in society. The political consequence is determination of the legitimacy of claims made by those excluded, and the developing of policies to accommodate those whose claims are successfully presented. Low income and exclusion from the labour force creates a state of dependency. Future prospects for the well-being of Australia's elderly population centre on political claims for adequate income together with a service structure which can provide high quality social services. The scene is set for some major political debates about public and private provision of cash and services to Australia's elderly population. All persons, elderly and non-elderly alike make claims for allocations, which affect their well being, on four institutions - the state, the family, employers and the local community.