Transitioning to retirement with choice and control A project focused on improving workability, transition to retirement and lifelong learning for older people in Knox

1:4 Knox residents are aged 55+ By 2031 it is forecast that one third of Knox’s population will be aged over 55 years Higher than average % of Knox’s older residents receive the aged pension Higher than average % of Knox’s older residents receive the aged pension, 76% compared with a Melbourne average of 68% and 70% state & national

Fears/ uncertainty related to retiring ?? Local area succession planning and skills transfer Concerns of social isolation and lack of community connection Knox Active Ageing Advisory Committee (KAAAC) over 5 years and the Knox Seniors Bright Ideas Network raised concerns from older people in Knox with regard to transition to retirement options Strong views of older people Wanting to feel in control and determine how they would transition (not just stop)

Manufacturing is the largest industry sector in Knox Knox is part of South East Manufacturing Zone which generates 44% of Victoria’s manufactured product Older people identified this industry as one of importance for the community and a key industry to be targeted PARTNERSHIP WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

54% of workforce in Knox employed in manufacturing 48% of employees in manufacturing aged 45 years and above Ageing workforce Most common level of education is Certificate qualification (within Manufacturing Industry) 3% aged between 65 and 84 years of age

Targeted 2 local manufacturing industries PILOT PROJECT Targeted 2 local manufacturing industries Information session facilitated for employees and employers on retirement & longevity Employee survey of ageing, retirement and health concerns (attitudes) Project AIM - to develop resilience in older adults as they transition to retirement – build capacity and enable them to take control Involved staff and employers / company directors – included opportunities and challenges “TALKING IS ALL WELL AND GOOD BUT ANY CONVERSATION TAKES AWAY FROM PRODUCTIVITY – WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF IT?” 1st Catten Industries previously part of Healthy Together Knox Project specialising in the field of precision sheet metal fabrication. 2nd industry only contact with Knox via economic development team

Limited retirement planning INITIAL FINDINGS Limited retirement planning Gaps in knowledge of community supports & lifelong learning options available Employers seeking advice No retirement planning beyond a date & plans for some finances Expectation of 10-15 years life post retirement – meaningful role Employers seeking advice on how to support ageing workforce, how to discuss retirement and sustaining transfer of skills and knowledge

EARLY OUTCOMES Holistic Toolkit for Employees – checklist on retirement options, “talking with the boss”, & community resources Peer to Peer Educator Model - Age Friendly Transition to Retirement Ambassadors Plenty of checklists for Employers only checklists for employees are financial focused Ambassadors to deliver sustainable ongoing information sessions to employees, employers and broader community PARTNERSHIPS Knox Manufacturing Industry Swinburne University of Technology Knox U3A

Mentor Skills Program: LONGER TERM PROJECT Mentor Skills Program: Older people mentoring younger people to develop skills and career paths in changing manufacturing industry Older people said they have: “strong concerns for young peoples lack of workforce and life skills” Use age friendly transition to retirement ambassadors to train older mentors in the workplace “THEYRE 30 & DONT HAVE A TRADE TO THEIR NAME” concerns of older people Younger Knox people – short term contracts, no trade quals