'Old' is a powerful word in today's world. We make many decisions, or have them made for us, based on assumptions about age. We are often made aware that we are either 'too old' or ' not old enough' for activities, opportunities and experiences we desire. In the same way, we tend to judge other people according to their age.
A "major" conflict between society and the aged group is the cost of servicing the unique needs of the group. To be straightforward, the aged are VERY expensive to us as a nation and even more so, as an economy. It is estimated that by 2021 there will be four million Australians over the age of 65 and one million of these will be over 80, so there will be an increased need for resources to be committed to servicing the aged.
This conflict is therefore a major concern in the minds of economists and politicians alike, as this will put increasing pressure on the budget, and of a more fundamental concern, the likely slowdown in economic growth.
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