The Australian Bureau of Statistics says that Australia’s population has grown older, with the median age increasing from 33.4 years at 30 June 1994 to 38.3 years at 30 June 2024.

The percentage of the population aged 65 and over has increased from 12 per cent to 17 per cent over the same period. Retirees represent 17 per cent of the population, the highest it has ever been since Australia began the metric of demographics.

Thanks to advancements in health care, people are working much longer than they ever have. However, we are also in a relatively ageist work environment. Technology in the workplace travels at breakneck speeds. And greying hair is seen as a sign of not being able to keep up. Those of us with abundant real-world experience can need industrial help in the workplace more than ever. Being part of a union when you are over 50 in the workplace is smart. There are no two ways to look at it. The PSA CPSU NSW has 227 members who are 75 and over and still employed.

“We are there for anyone facing discrimination due to their age,” said PSA CPSU NSW General Secretary Stewart Little. “This is as unacceptable as being singled out due to ethnicity or gender.”

The PSA CPSU NSW also has 283 members of the Retired Associates who are 75 and over.

“Being part of your union after you retire is smart”. Nicole Jess, PSA CPSU NSW President said. “Talking to our Retired Associates, I realise that retirees have a lifetime of knowledge concerning workplace issues, so being part of the PSA CPSU NSW Retired Associates is something we should all consider as we get closer to turning off the alarm in the morning.

“The Retired Associates meet regularly at PSA House and online to discuss issues that affect older Australians. We love that members keep their membership going.
“Your boss isn’t likely to look after you after you retire, but if you are a member of the PSA, we certainly will.”