Friday's 'The Australian' newspaper confirmed it. We Australian retirees are the happiest in the world. The newspaper published the results of the AXA Retirement Scope which conducted research across 15 major industrialised countries to analyze attitudes and perceptions about retirement. The study found that 96 percent of Australian retirees were content with their lives. Canada ran a close second with 94 percent.
The satisfaction levels of those already retired is believed to be linked to the historical period in which they grew up. Today's retirees are mostly pre- baby boomers who spent their childhood in the WW II era or the earlier Depression years. We grew up with the philosophy of making the best of what we had. Choices were limited - and that went for the availability of consumer goods, career opportunities, housing options and travel. However, in the early days there were jobs for all. Study options were fewer and we got into the workforce young. Then, as we grew older, there always seemd to be a redundancy package on offer for those who wanted to put their feet up early. And many did - at somewhere around 55.
Apparently it will be a different kettle of fish when the 'have it all' baby boomers hit the scene. Their expectations will be much higher, but their available funds are unlikely to match their aspirations for retirement. Many will find themselves staying on in their jobs well beyond 60. Probably this is a good thing. A lot wouldn't have completed their tertiary education until their early twenties, so they started their careers later. With better health and a life expectancy increased to almost 80, some could anticipate spending 25 years in retirement - a very long time!
I'm an advocate of slowing down in the final years, and easing out of employment gradually. It makes sense, from all perspectives. So I'm happy - I still work a little and I'm also one of those lucky, contented 96 percent.
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