Retiring in an Aging New Zealand

It is very likely that in a few years, the age of retirement in New Zealand will rise as a result of the government evaluating its pension scheme that provides New Zealanders with superannuation from the age of 65. Older people will be expected to work longer when the aging population wheel starts turning faster.
You could argue both sides of the coins here...

On the positive side: Nowadays, older people in New Zealand enjoy the benefits of a high life expectancy due to our high standard of living and advances in medical science. We live longer, therefore we should work longer. Already in Australia the age at which citizens qualify for a pension is gradually rising 6 months every two years until it reaches 67 (Centre Link, 2009). Not only will older people remaining in the work force be good for our economy, new retirees such as baby boomers may not be able to support there desired lifestyle on a government pension. This may be an incentive to stay working.

And for the negative team: Citizens who reach 65 are entitled to retire and receive a government pension. They deserve this in return for the years of taxes they have contributed to New Zealand and for the children they have raised that have taken their place in the workforce. Having worked for so many years, time to oneself is that much more precious. Retirees are by no means unproductive members of society, many devote their time and money to charity, volunteering and community groups.

When the inevitable retirement age arises, occupational therapy could find a niche in this area of the aging population. By implementing return to work programmes or stay in work programmes occupational therapists would be instrumental in ensuring older people who remain in work longer are safe and not working outside their means.

It is my belief that a rise in the retirement age is inevitable. In order to accomodate the aging population, New Zealanders will need to work for longer. However, the government should take some responsibilty and give options for a 32 hour or less working week for people over the age of 65. This will help ensure that burnout does not occur and older people remain satisfied in the workforce.

I would be interested to know the opinions of others in this area.

Jamie