Ballarat's Kath Morton.
BALLARAT volunteer Kath Morton doesn’t describe herself as a retiree, and carefully avoided the category when completing Australia’s 16th census last year.
“I don’t fill that word in on official forms because while I retired from the workforce many years ago, I have a lot to do still,” she said.
The 84-year-old refugee advocate and volunteer said the latest snapshot of our nation confirmed the ageing population would continue to need more support in the community.
While Australia’s median age is remaining steady at 37 years, Ms Morton said the ageing population was no secret.
“I am fortunate in that I’m not quite in the position of being in need of care or support just yet and I still lead a very active life in Ballarat,” she said.
“One thing I have noticed locally is that services for older people, like maintenance services, seem to take longer, so when I need my spouts cleaned or wood cut I have to plan three weeks ahead.”
After moving to Ballarat in 1995, Ms Morton said she had witnessed significant population growth in the city.
“I see a lot more cars on the road and a lot more people out and about on the weekends,” she said.
Ms Morton encouraged other older residents to stay active and busy, and also to enjoy the freedom and independence of retirement.
