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

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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 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

8. 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

9. 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