With the pension eligibility age set to rise to 67 in 2023, and superannuation often not covering the costs of retirement, more and more seniors are being forced to work beyond the traditional retirement age.
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This is a trend that is particularly salient in Tasmania, where we have not only the oldest population in the country, but also the fastest aging population in Australia according to 2016 Census data.
However, the efforts of some seniors in the Launceston community shows that not only is there a place for them in the workforce, but that they can be a source of innovation.
Leonie Williams is 67, and is the director of Senior Helpers in Australia – an international organisation that provides assistance services to elderly people and their families.
The Launceston support organisation is among the leaders in support for Alzheimer patients’ family members, as evidenced by their virtual dementia technology.
Senior Helpers is the only place in Tasmania to offer a Virtual Dementia Experience to family members of those with Alzheimer’s.
The technology was designed by Alzhemier’s Australia, and lets users step into the shoes of dementia patients.
“It’s a simulation program where we can take workers or family members who want to get an understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia,” she explained.
“In a 10-minute period we can trick their brain by using tools and equipment so that they can actually experience what it’s like to have dementia.”
“During the experience they will start to mimic the behaviours of someone who has dementia.”
Mrs Williams, in partnership with her daughter, became a Senior Helpers franchisee in 2013, after she was sick of having to work as an employee under other people.
“I started the business when I was 63, and then two years later we bought the second office in Hobart,” she said.
“I’m 67, and I’m now the managing director of all Senior Helpers in Australia.”
Not knowing where to start, Mrs Williams learned more about running a business from the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS).
Armed with this information, she was left in a good position to achieve business success with Senior Helpers.
Many of the staff working for Senior Helpers in Launceston are over the traditional retirement age, because of the greater understanding and empathy they can offer.
“A lot of our support workers in the field are 60 and over,” Mrs Williams said.
“We have very few younger people, because our clientele are older and they engage more with mature people.”
Senior Helpers’ business model is a perfect example of how seniors can use their age to their advantage to thrive in the business world.
Stefan Boscia
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
