Australia’s New Aged: Debunking the Ageing Society Myth

By John McCallum

The notion that our society is rapidly aging is a common theme in discussions about the future. It’s often accompanied by grim predictions about the burden that today’s youth will bear in supporting the large numbers of baby boomers who have reached retirement age. However, Australia’s New Aged presents a more nuanced view, challenging the assumption that an aging population necessarily spells doom for younger generations.

Australia’s New Aged is a comprehensive analysis of public policy for the aged, set against the backdrop of an increasingly vocal and active elderly population, as well as significant cutbacks in health and welfare spending. The authors argue that policy makers have become trapped in a ‘social problem’ approach to aging, which assumes that the elderly are a homogeneous, disadvantaged group with common interests. This approach is no longer viable, and both policy makers and the aged care industry will need to be more sensitive to diversity and more flexible than ever before.

Australia’s New Aged is essential reading for students, policy makers, and anyone working with the aged. It offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population, and provides valuable insights into the ways in which we can create a more supportive and inclusive society for all Australians, regardless of age.

About the Author: John McCallum is Professor of Public Health and Dean of the Faculty of Health at the University of Western Sydney, Macarthur. He is also co-editor of Grey Policy (1990). Karin Geiselhart is a journalist who was previously employed by the Office for the Status of Women in Canberra.

Book Details:– Publisher: Routledge- Edition: 1st- Publication Date: March 31, 2021- Language: English- Hardcover: 158 pages- ISBN-10: 0367717484- ISBN-13: 978-0367717483