1. SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT 2016-2017
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Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

2. A Place at the Table Social justice in an ageing society
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3. The ageing of the population is ‘the great success story of human development.’

4. 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

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

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

7. 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.

8. But society is ill-prepared for this demographic change.

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

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

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

12. Too often older workers are stereotyped as slow and unproductive.

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

14. 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.

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

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

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

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

19. 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]

20. 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

21. 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.

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

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

24. 2/3 of Australians over 75
are in good health
and living in their homes and communities..

25. 80% of home care for older people
comes from relatives, friends and neighbours.

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

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

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

29. Elder abuse is increasing:
physical
emotional
financial.

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

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

32. 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

33. Our life is a story …

34. … but are we shy about approaching the last chapter?

35. 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]

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

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

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

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

40. … 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]

41. 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.

42. 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

43. Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
Acknowledgements:
Gary Radler
Getty Stock Photography
iStock Images
Helen Kearins rsm
Sarah MacRaild
Australian Catholic Social Justice Council