The Dubious Honor of Being a “Senior” Nation

Australia has been touted as one of the most aged societies in the world, with its growing grey population often cited as a point of pride. However, this accolade may mask deeper issues about our social contract and care for vulnerable citizens.

The debate over age has become increasingly prominent in Australian society, with some arguing that we focus too much on celebrating seniority and not enough on addressing the challenges associated with an aging population. A recent article in the Herald highlighted this tension, with readers sharing their wry observations about what it means to be “old” in Australia.

For Geoff Gilligan of Coogee, being old is about remembering obscure TV shows from decades past and appreciating tributes paid to them. Elizabeth Savage of Hughes (ACT) finds frustration in dubbed English films, which highlights the disconnect between our aged population and media consumption. Peter Miniutti of Ashbury views being old as a mixed bag – recognized as senior in some contexts but not always where it matters.

The concept of “senior” in Australia is complex and multifaceted. It’s not simply about the number of candles on one’s birthday cake, but also reflects broader societal priorities. The decision to withdraw from hosting the Commonwealth Games was seen by some as a victory for fiscal responsibility, while others viewed it as an opportunity missed to confront issues surrounding aging and community.

The Australian Underwater Hockey Team’s success may have earned its place on the world stage, but what does this say about our broader societal priorities? Are we too focused on celebrating individual achievements and not enough on building a society that supports all members, regardless of age?

Hosting the Commonwealth Games would have created a costly “home-team advantage,” as Chris Commens of Rosebery astutely pointed out. However, it also raises questions about what kind of community we want to build. Do we prioritize sporting achievements over more pressing social issues? Or do we use our aging population as an excuse to avoid confronting these challenges head-on?

Being old in Australia is not always easy, and the current obsession with celebrating seniority can feel like a thin veneer over deeper structural problems. As Nola Tucker of Kiama so simply put it, being “old” is often just about recognizing when your children become grandparents – but what does this say about our broader societal values?

As Australia continues to grapple with the implications of an aging population, we need to start talking seriously about what it means to be a society that truly supports all its members – regardless of age.