Catherine Stoddart, who became the CEO of West Australian Not For Profit provider Brightwater Care in April 2022, wants to start a “brave conversation” about changing the definition of elderly to 70.
People are living longer. In the last 100 years, the life expectancy of Australians has increased by 20 years. Now Australia has 3,700 people aged over 100.
“Ageism still prevails when labelling someone as ‘old’ — and by extension, frail and less capable based merely on a number like 65. We need to change the culture around ageism and challenge these outdated perceptions and embrace a more nuanced understanding of age and capability,” Catherine wrote in an opinion piece.
“At 65, we are currently slapped with the label of ‘old,’ even though many of us are either thriving in our careers or enjoying our best lives. Meanwhile, the pension age sits at 67, while seniors’ cards are available from 60-65 if living in Western Australia or Queensland. These outdated markers of age are stuck in a bygone era.
“Consider Generation X — adults born between 1965 and 1980. They start turning 70 in 10 years. Labelling them ‘old’ and ‘ready for aged care’ in five years’ time is inaccurate and it doesn’t help the narrative around aged care. Many in this generation can still be active contributors to society, engaged in the workforce, and enjoying good health well into their 70s. It is both unfair and economically unwise to cast them prematurely into the category of dependency.
“Why view these fit, healthy, vibrant and engaged 65-70-year-olds as a financial burden on our system when we should see them as valuable assets whose continued independence can contribute to the economy rather than drain it?
“This glaring disconnect between our actual lives and the rigid age definitions imposed upon us is not just a minor oversight — it’s a fundamental barrier to addressing the aged care crisis. Until we redefine what it means to be ‘old’ and align our policies and legislation with the realities of today, we’ll continue to flounder in our efforts to fix a system that is under pressure.”
The Australian Government’s Australian Health and Welfare Institute data shows, in 2021-22, 54% of people aged 65 and over entering permanent residential aged care were aged 85 and over. The reality is an extremely low number of people aged 65 to 69 are in residential aged care.
With 37% of people aged 65 and over using home care were aged 85 and over, few people under 65 are also relying on these services.
There is no mandatory retirement age in Australia, although, as Catherine states, the Age Pension can be accessed at age 67.
Catherine argues raising the age threshold is a powerful lever for financial reform and allows for more strategic, long-term planning.
“It’s a bold call but it aligns with today’s realities. People are living longer and healthier lives and deserve to be supported in maintaining their independence,” Catherine wrote.
“Age demographics are fundamentally linked to the financial dynamics of aged care and this connection highlights the urgent need for clarity around aged care funding arrangements yet to be released in the Aged Care Taskforce report.
“Until we know our funding models, the aged care sector is unable to invest in necessary infrastructure and technology, build new facilities, upgrade existing ones or support the future of home care. These solutions are all directly tied to the financial framework set by the taskforce.
“Will the government’s delay cost lives? Perhaps not directly, but it means we continue to carry a burden that profoundly impacts the quality and length of older people’s lives. The last 1000 days of their life are diminished. Without certainty, this year, 2,500 Australians will remain confined to hospitals when they should be receiving care in a facility or benefitting from a Commonwealth Home Care Package. Many will return home to inadequate care or support to stay at home.
“This is not just about numbers; it’s about real people’s lives, dignity, and their right to spend their final years comfortable and happy. The delay denies them this fundamental right. The taskforce reforms represent the direction and financial certainty we need to plan for an improved model of aged care for all Australians.
“Changing the age threshold may not be a winning political conversation but financial certainty for the sector is a solution to the aged care emergency.”