BONZA - The Original Baby Boomer site founded in 2001
Welcome to BONZA!! (60 000+ HITS A YEAR)
|
Interview with BONZA editor Brian Murphy
You found us! Now you are here,stay a while..
Are you researching the Boomers? Check out: Are you looking for a good laugh? Check out: Are you looking for work? Check out: What was it like to be a Boomer? The editor has written some stories about his life as a Boomer. Hover over ABOUT THE EDITOR above for access. ________________________________________________________________ A book for all Baby Boomers I recommend the following book ... The Rest of Your Life How to Make it as Good as You Want ... to all Baby Boomers. It will be a real asset for all those who are planning responsibly for the future. Compiled by Paul McKeon for people in their 40s, 50s & 60s who want to really enjoy the second half of their lives. Please access the link below to order your E-book copy. www.mylifechange.com.au/the-rest-of-your-life/bonza.php ________________________________________________________________ BOOMER MUSIC Our favourite group of all times and their music will be played in centuries to come- THE BEATLES Paul McCartney’s new release Kisses On The Bottom is available. Also now you can watch the official EPK for the album in its entirety at the link below. The interview features Paul and Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma chat about the process of recording KOTB. Please share the new full Kisses On The Bottom EPK with your readers at Bonza. Kisses On The Bottom Full EPK Link: http://youtu.be/J2j_Aw2SJBQ Stream KOTB on AOL Music: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/spinner#/1 Stream KOTB on MSN Music: http://music.msn.com/music/listeningbooth/ Buy Kisses On The Bottom: http://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Bottom-Paul-McCartney/dp/B006OAB3ME/?tag=concordreco0c-20 Buy Kisses On The Bottom (Deluxe): http://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Bottom-Paul-McCartney/dp/B006RVDX00/?tag=concordreco0c-20 ‘Kisses On The Bottom’ assets: http://www.42west.biz/PMCARTNEY/assets.zip Official website: http://www.paulmccartney.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PaulMcCartney ________________________________________________________________ Boomer Book I recently published my second book called “Once I was a Teenager”. It’s about how life was in the 50s and 60s in Australia. It’s a nostalgic book about how life was then. Such as our mother’s pithy sayings...”no nice man will marry you if (you eat with your mouth open)”, or “wait ‘til your father get’s home”, or “wear a clean pair of knickers when you go out. What if you are in a car accident!” We are offspring of parents of WW2, and we have their values which puzzle our offspring. This is a really funny book with a foreword by Little Pattie (who remembers that Aussie 60s teen singing sensation, who is still performing today?) Often our children don’t ask how life was for us. Well, you will chuckle and reminisce with this book. Guaranteed. Little Pattie loves it. I give proceeds to an orphan charity, but would love to be in contact with you guys. Jonquil Graham You can contact me at jonquil.graham@gmail.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Paul McCartney is getting back ‘Out There’ First live show of 2014 announced! Monday 21st April – Santiago, Chile – Movistar Arena More dates to be announced imminently... Following an incredible 2013 which saw Paul’s critically acclaimed ‘Out There’ tour launch in Brazil and visit 23 cities across South America, Europe, North America and Japan, today Paul confirms he’ll be getting back out there by announcing his first concert of the year. Paul will be heading back to Chile in April for the first time since his historic performance on his ‘Up & Coming Tour’ in 2011. The 'Out There' tour features music from one of the best loved catalogues in popular music. Paul will perform songs that span his entire career - as a solo artist, member of Wings and of course as a Beatle. The set list will also include material from Paul’s most recent studio album NEW, which was a global hit upon its release last year. The McCartney live experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity; in just three hours some of the greatest moments from the last 50 years of music are relived; music which for many has shaped the very soundtrack of their lives. The last decade has seen Paul and his band perform in a staggeringly impressive range of venues and locations, including outside the Coliseum in Rome, in Moscow’s Red Square, Buckingham Palace, at the White House, a free show in Mexico to over 400,000 people and even into Space! Having played with his band (Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens (keyboards), Brian Ray (bass guitar/guitar), Rusty Anderson (guitar) and Abe Laboriel Jr. (drums)) for over ten years now, the show never disappoints. The tour also uses state of the art technology and production to ensure the entire audience has the best possible experience. With massive screens, lasers, fireworks, unique video content and the best songs in the world a Paul McCartney show is so much more than just an ordinary concert. Paul’s shows attract a multi generational audience from different backgrounds all brought together by his music. 2014 got off to an incredible start for Paul as he set a personal career best by winning an incredible five GRAMMY Awards in one night. In the UK he was honoured by music bible NME with a special one off award, the ‘Songwriter’s Songwriter Award’ chosen for this unique accolade by his fellow peers. Keep checking PaulMcCartney.com for further announcements. __________________________________________________ New health book just for over 50s Research shows that Health and Finances are two of the biggest issues for people who are planning or experiencing retirement. While there are hundreds of books about health on the market, there are very few that focus on the health issues that affect the lives of older people. A new book titled “How to stay Healthy, Active and Sharp in Retirement” is designed to correct this omission. It’s written by 15 leading health experts and it covers all the major physical and mental issues that people over 50 need to manage Here’s a list of the subjects covered CHAPTERS
11. Living beyond expectations ( Petrea King. Quest For Life Foundation ) 12. Relationships and Sex (Sandra Kimball . Relationship Counsellor & author) 13. Keeping your immune system healthy (Prof. Fabienne Mackay Monash University) 14. How to reduce your risk of getting dementia (Dr. Simone Reppermund -UNSW Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing) 15. Dental health (Prof Peter Barnard.) 16. Your attitude keeps you young (or makes you old) (Paul McKeon) This is not a book about sickness. The overriding message is that it’s possible to delay the ageing process and enjoy a better quality of life in our later years. It’s full of positive suggestions about how we can be happier and healthier if we follow the expert advice offered in the book. The book is only available on line. You can find out more or buy a copy by clicking on this link http://www.mylifechange.com.au/stay-healthy-active-and-sharp-in-retirement For comment or more information, please contact the Editor Paul McKeon on 02 6652 7581 ________________________________________________________________ Self Employment Award winning author Diana Todd-Banks has a program for those interested in self employment. Please go to the Notice Board page to read her full email and ideas. "Just a thought: on your BONZA site would it be feasible to create a section for those who are wanting to work (with their skills)? Then promote that section to the outside world. If any of that interests you and you need help let me know, I'll help you. Cheers and keep up the great work." Diana Todd-Banks Award Winning Best Selling Author Life Change Coach * Web TV Host * Speaker cell: (61) 407 187 008 skype: ditodd-banks email: diana@dianatoddbanks.com www.dianatoddbanks.com ________________________________________________________________ Media Release- 17/6/2014 Is the 70 retirement really about Boomers? The labor government decided that retirement would be 67 in 2023 because of the numbers of Boomers that would require government assistance by then in the key areas of health, aged care and pensions. I had no argument with that decision at the time as only a small percentage of Boomers will have enough superannuation to be able to be self-sustainable so working them for longer will add some personal wealth to their financial portfolio and offset some government costs. As a student of the Intergenerational reports of 2002, 2007 and 2010 I understand the intent behind that decision. Then came the LNP version this year of retirement at 70 by 2035 and once again I thought I understood why but on further examination I am no so sure now. All the current Boomers will be over 70 by 2035 as the youngest of them are 50 this year (and the older ones 68) so this decision is more for the X generationers ( 35 to 49) and even the Y ‘s ( 20 to 34) so do we really need to do it? I think not. If the Boomers are already retired then the 70 limit will only penalise the younger generations who will already have good superannuation to live on by that year (if the industry stays true) so they wont be the burden we will be on government coffers. Surely a better route to take would be to increase employer and employee contributions to achieve the 17-18% superannuation contribution level recommended by economists (only 9% now) that will be needed for us to sustain our old age by that time and therefore leave retirement at 67. The government could also legislate to stop any creative accounting by the younger generations so that they were still eligible for pension at 67 even with their generous accumulated superannuation so that the pension is a safety net only at that stage for those who have little or no wealth due to circumstances beyond their control- illness, accident or disability. Finally, readers of my web site www.bonza.com.au are adamant they want a referendum for euthanasia soon as possible so we can have more control over our future and not linger on bed ridden in our old age. That would also reduce costs for government substantially as my doctor tells me that more is spent on us in our final year of life than on all the previous years of our lifetime health care. Brian Murphy Editor BONZA __________________________________________________ Boomer Innovation- New Ideas to Assist Boomers I'm writing to let you know that TACSI and The Office for the Ageing (SA) are running Australia's first challenge for ageing, the Innovation in Ageing Challenge. We've got $140k of grants and mentoring on offer for people with ideas to re-imagine the way we age. All the details are available on our website ageingchallenge.org.au. We’re looking for all kinds of people from budding social innovators, entrepreneurs within NGO’s to elderpreneurs. This is a great opportunity for teams passionate about social change to get the support and funding to get their idea off the ground. Kerry Jones Program Manager Ageing and Caring THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION Level 1, 279 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia +61 8 7325 4994 | 0404 475 057 | tacsi.org.au __________________________________________________ |
What is BONZA? BONZA is an information site for Baby Boomers. We want all Boomers to plan for their future and support each other. Who Am I? I am the founder of BONZA and I have been working with mature age for 17 years as a case manager and adviser. I resigned from my job as a case manager for unemployed in March after seven years of trying to establish a Mature Age Policy with that company and to introduce Maturelink for Over 50s job seekers. Every employer with more than 10 staff needs a Mature Age Policy which reflects the value of Over 50s to their workplace and Maturelink is just focusing on mature age and their needs. We all know we have to work longer- 67 by 2023 and now 70 in 2035- as the cost of age pension reaches astronomical heights for government but my requests and proposals to my employer kept being fobbed off for seven years. They wanted me to stay in the field of Disability Management which I had already conquered so I quit to follow my passion. Now I have to reinvent myself as I previously preached to my clients which is scary but doable. In reality, the game is open but best results for my age group will be in self employment, driving taxis or courier trucks, call centres, community services, government roles and the continued quest of finding mature age friendly employers. It is also time for employers to put "we are mature age friendly" on their advertisements for future employees. We need to know that we are a chance when we apply so we are not wasting anyone's time. That does not mean only mature age should apply, it means that the hundreds of time wasting applications will stop for those of us who are looking for work unless we know employer's respect our skills. Employment ads are the 'hope industry' for unemployed mature age and you put so much time and effort into applications for positions that will never even consider you if there is a hint of employment longevity in the application. BTW, I am a trainer and change agent and I would like to work with your mature age workers or any age actually to motivate them to plan for life in a holistic way- wealth, health and fitness but also understand why it is important to start at an early working age. I was going to do my presentation at Public Libraries in the near future on the Gold Coast but it would cost me $500 to hire equipment to support the presentations so that wont be happening. I really wanted to motivate you to social and/or economic participation but unless a benefactor comes to the party and supports my efforts then the best I can do is this site at this stage. Who knows what the future holds and Murphy was an Optimist so you never know. Corporate, mining, government and large companies can also contact me for a quote on "Moving Your Staff Forward" which is a PowerPoint package developed by me over many years and it works. They will be more content and motivated to work once I explain Ageing Australia to them in a simplistic and practical way. They deserve that after years of loyalty to their work. Ph: Brian Murphy Consulting: M 0435 603 183 ____________________________________________ Who are Baby Boomers? Founded in 2001 BONZA is all about Baby Boomers who are aged 50 to 68 (born between 1946 - 1964) with over 5 million in Australia (ABS) and 1 million in New Zealand. (Between 1998-2001 I had the pleasure of working all over NZ and assisted hundreds of KIWI Boomers find employment through my company Grey Skills) We have always been aware of our generation and our uniqueness in that we are a constant worry for our governments due to our numbers and the predicted cost of our ageing process to them. I don't want to be a burden- do you? Let's prepare ourselves so that does not happen if we can prevent it. In 2011, the first of the Boomers became eligible for aged pensions and the numbers doubled from the previous year. In the next couple of decades aged care becomes the focus. Families and individuals will be encouraged to have ageing Boomers stay in their own homes and be cared for as they age because we cant build enough aged care homes to cope with the high numbers. Increased health problems will also dominate the annual budgets every year for the next 40 years and the security of single aged females will be another challenge to solve. We are living longer so governments are encouraging us to work longer, stay healthier and invest our money wisely by planning for our futures. I was asked by a Boomer today why we are different than say Y generationers as they will have heavy numbers. The answer is purely lack of superannuation to look after ourselves in retirement. We need about $30 000 a year for 20 odd years of retirement and the pension is $18 000. Hope that makes sense. Saw a great film - fat , sick and nearly dead- about our health. Worth a view if you are overweight and/or unhealthy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XDSpuMIMPs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUIENxHEZig28X1ylyE8VWXQ Also a good overview: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11465/5-powerful-reasons-to-eat-a-plant-based-diet-a-cardiologist-explains.html ________________________________________________________________ Boomerang Centres Why not turn clubs that are struggling into neighbourhood hubs for Boomers. My mate Keith Blake did it at Ithacca Bowls Club next door to the Brisbane Broncos in Fulcher Rd Red Hill Brisbane and they have lots of activities for mature age. We think they should be called Boomerang Centres and hopefully with small government grants to help establish them they can then become self sufficient and run Boomer activities that are planned by a local Boomer committee. Keith Blake will continue with the Red Hill Community Club Pilot on Fulcher Road and has developed a booklet and systems which may assist your club survive. Please contact him if you would like to start a Boomerang Centre on 0439 838671. I am genuine in my passion to represent Baby Boomers and have spent 17 years of my life doing. I want us to remain active in every way. There is around one third of the nation over 50 so the new government has to give us some priority to keeping them in work but planning ahead for the ageing process for Boomers who will demand to be allowed to have ownership of their golden years. Boomerang Centres is just one idea but it is working. Brian Murphy Editor --------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOMER INFORMATION There are many pieces to the Boomer jigsaw puzzle and BONZA's 'Moving' Forward PowerPoint explains why we have to put those pieces together to see the big picture and encourage Boomers to focus on planning a new career rather than retirement. In 2023 the age pension age goes up to 67 so it is better we stop thinking retirement and thinking long-term income. A 'mind switch' to the way we are thinking now is needed urgently. My advice to Boomers in 2014 is simple. You have to work as long as possible because the superannuation market is so unpredictable and you need money for what could be a 20+ year retirement. Why not do work that you choose so maybe do some study as it is never too late to start a new life. If not study then there is work to match your skills in the aged industry, child care, community services or doing your own thing in starting or purchasing a business. I will try and do some seminars on planning for your retirement in 2014 for over 50 Boomers. I believe we should be planning our future in three stages so that we get the most out of our different phases of life. Stage 1- Over 50 and still actively working and saving through superannuation. Stage 2- Over 60 and still working full time if possible but at least part time to preserve health, superannuation and savings. Stage 3- Over 70 and retired for most (a few will continue no doubt) and downsizing so money lasts as long as you can. Working keeps you healthier and you will live more comfortably in old age rather than waiting anxiously for death. Many of us will be working until our seventies so start thinking 'what can I do' and not 'who would want me at this age'. Speaking of health, please read my story on dental treatment in Thailand in the Health section above because it could be a cheaper option for you in having your teeth fixed. Bad teeth will ruin your health. Two centuries ago we were dying on average in our 40s. We are lucky enough to have twice that time on this earth so make the most of it. It is no ones fault we have to work just our time on this earth is different from our ancestors. Make the most of it and don't be negative. Enjoy your family as they will be there when your time ends and you will feel complete because they are. We need to work together to make sure that we have a BONZA life as we age, enjoy each others company and leave a positive image of our time on this earth. Feedback from surveys: Superannuation - 58% have 10-100000; 17% have 100-600000 and 25% have over $600000 so lack of super for Boomers is a real issue in Ageing Australia. Euthanasia Referendum; 80% VOTED YES for one. I have these old survey results but have put the survey question on the front page in the new format above as it is an important and urgent issue. Interesting to listen to debate on the Tasmanian Euthanasia Bill which was defeated by two votes. It makes you think when one chap said, "I don't want people I love to find me after suicide." Let's decide as a nation to give some dignity to the terminally ill who want to end their lives. Marshall Perron was so concerned over the issue that he has written an open letter to all state and territory coroners about the need for euthanasia now. Please go to the noticeboard page above to view his letter. It is compelling reading. Also former Qld Labour Premier Peter Beattie this week (March 2014) in the Australian wrote an article under the heading...... In the end, one's thinking turns to euthanasia As premier I fought it, but ageing has forced me to re-examine my views on this thorny moral issue Further, I spoke with my doctor at a recent visit and he told me how difficult it is to get the over 80s to sign the authority to turn off the machines that keep them alive even though, "We are spending more money in the last year of life to keep people alive than for the rest of their life," he told me. Another good reason for euthanasia would be the trillions we would save the country if you can take the emotion out of the debate. If you have any INTERESTING stories about your Boomer life that you feel others would like to read then please send them to me and I will put them on the stories section above. I wrote this story about WW1 diggers after a trip to France several years ago. It is a very special place to visit in 2014 on this anniversary of 100 years since that war. "We stood in the fog in the cemetery and could only imagine what it would have been like to have advanced on enemy lines in waves all those years a go with shells exploding all around you and your comrades dying beside you. It was an eerie feeling as the fog lifted and we gazed out across the surrounding countryside from the top of the memorial trying to imagine what faced our boys almost one hundred years ago. Here died thousands of Young Australians who would never return to their families in OZ and are now part of all our families as they lie buried in this cemetery and the many others in this area that is now part of Australia forever. The French recognize our significant contribution with a Franco- Australian museum in that village of Villiers- Bretonneux which is attached to a school rebuilt with Australian donations and all over the school yard and in their classrooms are Australian flags and messages such as 'Never forget Australia'. This should be our spiritual home of World War One as our soldiers are revered here. You must go as it will humble you and also fill you with tremendous paradox of pride and sorrow. Take time to see all the Australian sites in this area of France and Belgium- you will not be sorry and these brave young men should never be left alone." _____________________________________________ Brothers in Arms Memorial Ypres Belgium I returned to the Western Front in May this year and would like to share this story with you. It is an amazing place for Australians with tens of thousands of our lads never found. This is the story of one of them John Hunter from Nanango and his brother Jim. " My brother Rod, my son Beau and I recently returned from a trip to the Western Front. My brother is a retired Major who spent time with the 49th Battalion and he was very interested in the graves of thousands from his battalion who lost their lives fighting on the Western Front in WW1. On a day tour near Ypres in Belgium we were asked by the guide, as we were running out of time, if we wanted to see trenches or a film that a local publican had about Aussie diggers in Belgium. After the film ( by Australian by the name of Hurley who was in this area at the time) we were told a story by the publican Johan Vandewalle about how he was involved in the finding and excavation of 5 Aussie soldiers whose remains were accidentally dug up in 2006 during road widening. One of the soldiers turned out to be John ( Jack) Hunter from Nanango who was wrapped and buried by his brother Jim during the battle of Polygon Woods but he was unable to find him on returning after fighting ceased and he remained there undetected for those 89 years. Johan was severely affected by his find because he had to unwrap the body and as he did so the sun reflected off the retina of Jack's eye which had been persevered by his coat for all those years. He has been raising funds for a memorial called’ brothers in arms’ since then to honour the brothers and their comrades. He is driven by the cause and we feel he needs assistance to achieve his target as most help at this stage is coming from local bikers in Europe. I really think it was fate that Rod met this chap and we are keen to assist him raise the funds needed to build his ‘Brothers In Arms’ memorial. I feel it is a remarkable story and we will approach Campbell Newman the Premier of Queensland and indeed all Australians to see if they can assist with donations. Is it possible for any of you out there to raise awareness locally so that when the battle has its 100 year celebration in 2017 there is a memorial to commemorate this boy and this intriguing story of brotherly love. http://www.brothersinarmsmemorial.com All donations can be made directly to the memorial site on that web site.' Hope you agree that it is a worthy cause. Brian Murphy __________________________________________________ Please join us in sharing those good times, innovative ideas and suggestions to make the rest of our lives a BONZA one. We advocate for:
Media Spotlight Question from ABC May 2014 Thanks for asking me what my thoughts are on the Boomers working on past retirement of 65. I will give you my thoughts on the matter but would also like to add a couple not related to your question but relevant to our future. Firstly the question about whether the numbers not wanting to give up work are high. Unfortunately the answer to this will be based on two things. One is the desire and ability to work on considering little effort has been made to convince employers that it would be prudent of them to encourage mature age to work on. The majority of employers (and I have only just left the employment industry) are not mature age friendly believing in the urban myths that mature age are not keen and will let them down with their health problems- possible WorkCover and workers compensation fuelling that argument. So some good marketing and incentives needed here to change that. The second is whether there will be work for them. Of the people I know the question of retirement comes before 65. Many are losing interest in the industry they have been loyal too as there is little incentive to stay and they no longer have career paths. I left mine recently as my continued requests for a mature age policy within our company that gave incentives such as mentoring the young, higher superannuation and time off without pay to travel were ignored and I was passed over for promotion as I am 63. My brother is an accountant and was a Army Reserve Major so when he reached 65 he continued in employment as a tax representative for the defence forces so it was industry specific. If your network is good then part time work is possible. Personally I am looking at taxi driving, self employment or roles in the aged industry for future full time and part time work and will work as long as I can as I never accumulated superannuation like ex-government workers have. I have friends who have superannuation that will allow them to stay as volunteers in the community even though they are not 65 so it depends on individual circumstances but the number could easily be 74% as we are not keen to rely on the government unless it is as a ‘safety net’ but a bit early to tell with the older boomers being only 68 this year. My other thoughts are based on the intergenerational reports from the government. I have been a student of these reports since the first in 2002 (2007, 20010 and another due out this year) and based my ‘Moving Forward’ presentations on their findings and predications in the main. I have also found Access Economics very worthwhile in their financial predications. I accepted the 2023 date as necessary for changing the retirement age to 67 as the Boomer ‘flood that is making its way down the river’ will be causing near maximum damage as around 25% of the population will be over 50 and still many without superannuation of any substance. I expect the flood to reach the sea in around 2060 when the current 50 year old boomers will have just about passed on and the numbers will not be as high (based on 5 million boomers in on generation now without superannuation to live well on). I understand that our population will have doubled by then but the plan to use superannuation as the answer to annual government budget pressure for mature age will have reached its peek and most workers will have very substantial superannuation to live off in their retirement so why the 2035 lift to 70? All predictions I have read about us being self sufficient at retirement are based on a 17-19% superannuation contribution so why not lift the employer contribution to that percentage by then or make workers pay 5% themselves legislated. No need then to stop people retiring as they can look after themselves at 67 by then and I have no doubt that government safety net assistance will only be given to workers who are unemployed at that stage anyway. My second idea is a real ‘cat among the pigeons’. Euthanasia is a dirty word now but the times are a changing. My generation are telling me (around 90% now) that they want a referendum on the topic. We just don't want to live until we are a burden on family or the country. It’s time for this referendum as we approach our seventies and are very aware now of our mortality. Yes families will be there for us and that will be a good change in culture for Australia as we can not all go to Aged Care but for those who have already been caring for their parents report that it is as quite traumatic. I don’t want my children to have to care for me in such an unfamiliar way and be exposed to such traumatic images when they remember me. I know so many Boomers who already have the means to end their lives but let’s make it legal. It will also bring an end to any need for a 70 retirement age as the numbers will fall rapidly if it is legal and that should be just part of the life cycle. Brian Murphy __________________________________________________ I have never read an article that describes the Boomers as well as Jo Chandler from The Age newspaper has written. Do yourself a favour and read it...... LINK : http://www.theage.com.au/national/the-baby-boomers-at-65-20101231-19c22.html#ixzz2D4ka1ymK And this one on retirement...... http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/work/world-braces-for-retirement-crisis/story-fnic6on7-1226791660815 Lots to do folks,so let’s get on with it in 2014 and have a BONZA LIFE! ( NB: BONZA is also an Aussie slang term for great or fabulous) Brian Murphy Editor |
Create a free website
Start your own free website
A surprisingly easy drag & drop site creator. Learn more.
