Making your community super
The Baby Boomer generation are well-known for being on the cutting edge of social and economic change. Despite the criticism that has often followed their choices, their success is clear.
With rising concerns about Australia’s ageing population, the world is once again focusing on the impact of the Baby Boomer generation. Perhaps history is repeating itself.
As they were in the 1960’s, Baby Boomers are again set to be key agents of social and economic change in the next decade.
With research from the Talking Point: An ageing (regional) Australia and the rise of the Super Boomer, the Regional Australia Institute is challenging our thinking about what ageing means for regional communities and the economy.
As they were in the 1960’s, Baby Boomers are again set to be key agents of social and economic change in the next decade.
We know that regional Australia is ageing faster than the rest of the country. More than 2 million Baby Boomers live outside of the capital cities. They also make up 39 per cent of the regional workforce.
But, reaching 50 is now the mark of new beginnings not retirement. Increased life expectancy, good health, greater financial flexibility and overall independence are transforming the ageing experience.
In the regions, Baby Boomers are transforming into Super Boomers.
The ‘super’ in Super Boomer comes from choosing to remain dynamic and active contributors to their regional communities.
Whether it be through entrepreneurship, staying in the workforce, mentoring the younger generation, leadership or volunteering, Super Boomers are driving the future of our regions.
21 regions in particular are leading Australia in the ageing trend. Ageing in place and increasing levels of mobility are driving people to the regions, creating significant Super Boomer populations in these 21 regions (see map).
To find out more about the trend download the Talking Point: An ageing (regional) Australia and the rise of the Super Boomer.
For more information on this topic, check out our latest report on Ageing and work in Regional Australia.
