What is BONZA?

BONZA is an information site for Baby Boomers. We want all Boomers to plan for their futures and support each other.


 Who are Baby Boomers?

Founded in 2001 BONZA is all about Baby Boomers who are aged 57 to 75 (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.

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.
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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 2020 is simple. You have to work as long as possible because the superannuation market is so unpredictable. 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.

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;  66% VOTED YES for one.

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.

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:

• Mature Age Unpaid Leave for over 50's -quality time out from their workplace

• Maturelink- over 50s need a separate one stop shop/office in every city (the missing link for Boomers )

• Govt subsidies for grandparent flats - a family approach to an Ageing Australia in line with European and Asian cultures

•  A need for Community Health Clinics for the aged.

• Community based program for aged to take an interest in the local community ( Boomerang Centres run by local Boomers for the benefit of Ageing Australia)

• Government incentives to stop the wealth drain

• Development of the Uni of the Third Age-  keeping our minds active

• Break Centrelink up - Retirement Offices, Families, Disabled, Youthlink , Maturelink

• Skills for the Bush project called BUSH SKILLS - a database of jobs available to those travelling Australia and training new skills

• A Mature Age Policy for every workplace -so employers can offer incentives

• A referendum to decide whether euthanasia should be part of Australian life

• Subsidised Dental care for all Boomers - our bad teeth are wrecking our health

• Government superannuation contributions for parents over 50 who are carers - parents will not have enough super at retirement age.

Media Spotlight

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










     Lots to do folks,so let’s get on with it in 2022 and have a BONZA LIFE! 

      ( NB: BONZA is also an Aussie slang term for great or fabulous)




            Brian Murphy

             Editor
 

BONZA Networking

BONZA is moving forward. Starting in May, 2012, and eleven years after launching the BONZA website, we are now offering a Facebook page. Whether you show your support, want to contact the admin or have a pressing issue - bring it up on the BONZA Facebook Page.

As well, BONZA will be:

• Collecting and sharing articles, stories and opinions from around the Internet.
• Keeping Baby Boomers updated on a changing world.
• Posting regular updates and opinion pieces from BONZA admins.
• Talking and discussing with fellow Baby Boomers or interested guests.
• Fighting ageism whereever and whenever we can
  
• Having fun and enjoying the company of our generation
  

So log in and 'Like' and 'Subscribe' to the BONZA Facebook page. Read mesmerizing articles and keep tabs on BONZA through Facebook.

Link: BONZA Facebook Page

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