Victoria The University of the Third Age is concerned with people who have reached the age of retirement and, over the years, it has developed courses to assist these people to retain active minds. The ageing and retirement course is being made available to assist people to understand the process of ageing and to maintain their quality of life. It begins with a discussion of the ageing process and the concept of positive ageing. Issues like independence, self fulfilment and dignity are discussed. Issues discussed include maintaining an adequate income, strategies available to pensioners and other low income retirees to make the most of their situations, and strategies for maintaining good health.
Many retired people decide to take on volunteer work.
The course examines the value of doing this and discusses some of the pitfalls. The course concludes by discussing the changing nature of Australian society with the increase in the proportion of retired people and how they may affect this will have on the economic and political situation in the country.