[Deleted for abuse.]

they haven’t saved enough to be able to spend a decent life at their old age
GarrettS,
Have you any inkling how many people fall into this category through fault of their own ? Like, when authorities just load ordinary people with so many fees that it becomes literally physically impossible to to put anything aside. Then there are those who don't put anything aside because they know that idiotic authorities will simply turn around & fleece the decent people more to give to the bludgers.
The public service is a blatant example. Their contributions are outrageously petty in comparison to what they receive. Look at all our ex PM's & how much their benefits deprive others of much needed financial help.
Yes, many workers don't contribute because they can't afford to. Incompetent bureaucratic policies force many to keep moving around chasing work at their own expense whilst school teachers for example don't even have to pack their own belongings when moving to another job. A rather uneven playing field I'd say.

This issue should be debated more widely; I believe it's a huge issue for Australia with our aging poplulation but also a large number of disenfranchised young people

Government doesn't seem to look any further than employment agencies providing full-time highly paid slaves for the tasks demanded by industry. Its still the mentality of us being slaves to the system, which becomes increasingly more managed and less sustainable - a lot of high paid specialists with heavy footprints on the Earth (I've been one of them).

I totally agree with you Houle... about managers and over management.

With all the technology we have, we should put it towards sustainable living - not creating excess wealth (and stress) for some while leaving the rest for the scrap heap.

Many in my generation (baby boomers) have paid off the house and kids and are only looking for a 1-3 days per week paid work. Many are 'multi-skilled' and quite like doing odd-jobs. Many young people also want this - to live simply and cheaply and fit in work with study. They are willing, indeed want casual/ 'off mainstream' work and many are willing to accept modest hourly rates. Are Government agencies not able to foster this sort of job network? When will we start to see an economy geared to people instead of ever increasing production and consumption? It's something we all need to think about as those fully employed and on big money may not always be.

It's most important for any society and the mental health of individuals that everyone has something to do that is given some value. We don't all have to be rocket scientists that cost the Earth.

Hey 50startingagain, I know exactly where you're coming from, having suffered a disability myself.
Sadly, in spite of enumerable retraining courses, having been self employed for most of my life means I have as many work references as a school leaver.
Who wants an over 50 with qualifications but no experience (in a new field)?
Meanwhile my little online business (nakedhydroponics.com) is growing nicely. I anticipate being able to retire well before I reach 90, at this rate.

I am almost 67, retired at 63, and love doing what I want to do, rather than what I have to do. I have worked since I was 15, and when kids came along, I managed evening jobs whilst my beloved was at home minding the kids until they were well into their senior schooling. I reckon I have done my fair share, we are debt free, we volunteer around town (mainly marine safety), and love every minute of it, we have enough put aside for replacement of white goods, cars etc.and better still we are well and healthy.....yeah!.
NSB

I don't see a problem with it. In fact, it could be helpful. The current system of retirement was set up when people had shorter life expectancies, and now that people live longer, it's a strain on public pension funds. Our generation may not have anything left at all. So I say, if you're elderly and can and want to work, go do it.