SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT 2016-2017 © Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2016. You may download, display, print or reproduce this material for personal or non-commercial use, as long as you acknowledge the copyright holders. All other rights to the material are retained by the original copyright holders. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

A Place at the Table Social justice in an ageing society Maskot/Getty Images

The ageing of the population is ‘the great success story of human development.’

which makes the elderly feel like a living part of the community. We must reawaken the collective sense of gratitude, of appreciation, of hospitality, which makes the elderly feel like a living part of the community. [Pope Francis] Image courtesy of neneo at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We should be grateful for what we have received from previous generations.

In Australia 75% of men and 85% of women are reaching retirement age with around 20 years of life ahead of them. Nejron / Dreamstime

Older Australians still have a lot to give and to enjoy in: Family Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Older Australians still have a lot to give and to enjoy in: Family Leisure Social engagement Employment.

But society is ill-prepared for this demographic change.

There is a danger that it will be seen only in economic terms. Expressions such as inter-generational theft or burdensome retirees are used.

Australia’s response to this new challenge must be economically viable and share costs and benefits of an ageing population fairly.

For older people who choose to continue working there must be flexible workplaces and just conditions.

Too often older workers are stereotyped as slow and unproductive.

In fact unemployment among older workers involves huge losses for the economy.

The cost of losing mature workers is $10 billion each year. Keeping 3% more people over 55 in work would gain $30 billion each year.

long-term unemployment. Older people often experience long-term unemployment. Steven Frame / Shutterstock

Jobless 60 to 64-year-olds remain without work for an average of 2 years.

limited retirement savings are at a disadvantage. Özgür Donmaz/iStock Women with limited retirement savings are at a disadvantage.

Grandparents Play a joyous role in caring for grandchildren. But this can involve emotional and financial stress. 70% of grandparent carers are on fixed or low incomes.

A lack of affordable housing is a crisis for some older people. Older people without their own home are struggling and there has been an increase in the number seeking homelessness services. [Social Justice Statement]

and Torres Strait Islanders do not enjoy the longer life expectancy Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders do not enjoy the longer life expectancy of other Australians. Gary Radler

To see the benefits of a longer lifespan we need to: Eliminate the barriers to older people staying in the workforce Appreciate the value of older people’s contribution to society through volunteering Advocate for wide-ranging roles for older people.

for the most vulnerable people. Ensure dignity and well-being for the most vulnerable people. lbusca/iStock

The dignity of older people is undermined when:  Their wishes are overlooked  Their decision-making power is restricted  Their basic rights are infringed.

2/3 of Australians over 75 are in good health and living in their homes and communities..

80% of home care for older people comes from relatives, friends and neighbours.

However, 20% of older Australians are affected by social isolation.

This is more harmful than not exercising and twice as harmful as obesity.

We must avoid Ageism, which stereotypes older people as weak and dependent and a burden on society.

Elder abuse is increasing: physical emotional financial.

There is a risk of elder abuse in institutional settings. Abuse is also perpetrated by family members.

Adequate resources are essential to provide services that promote human dignity… Geber86/iStock

a choice in their care and …by giving people a choice in their care and recruiting, training and supporting workers in aged care. Pamela Moore/iStock

Our life is a story …

… but are we shy about approaching the last chapter?

As a society we must foster a culture of compassionate care that values and protects people in their final period of life. [Social Justice Statement]

Each and every person is created in the image of God. This is the basis of our worth and dignity. [Social Justice Statement]

As a Christian community we are all called to reach out to one another ...

… the young to spend time with parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts …

… older people to share their rich life experience and wisdom with the young.

… we are called to be united in love: all God’s people, from generation to generation, planted in love and built on love. [Social Justice Statement]

justice in an ageing society, pick up a copy of the To read more about justice in an ageing society, pick up a copy of the Social Justice Statement. www.acsjc.org.au

For practical suggestions pick up the leaflet Ten Steps to Creating a Place at the Table. Some examples:  Visit older people at home or hospital  Make plans for your own old age – visit www.myfuturecare.org.au.

Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Acknowledgements: www.dreamstime.com www.freedigitalphotos.net Gary Radler Getty Stock Photography iStock Images https://pixabay.com www.shutterstock.com https://unsplash.com Helen Kearins rsm Sarah MacRaild Australian Catholic Social Justice Council