Australian seniors

I think Australian Seniors might need a makeover, like the one Albo sought to secure his Prime Ministership.

What exactly is Australian Seniors, you might ask? According to its website, Australian Seniors offers “innovative, quality and cost-effective insurance solutions for seniors  in Australia” from “the over 50s specialists”. 

The over 50s specialists? What the actual F are they saying?

It was a little confronting to realise I was classified as being an “Australian senior” at age 57.

When I hear the words “Australian senior” I think senior citizen and zimmer frame.

So it was sobering to discover that I’m supposedly one after reading a story last week about Australian Seniors releasing its Grey Gap Year Report 2025.

The report shows a shift in perception of retirement, with travel now regarded as a central pillar of a fulfilling life.

I am totally jiggy with the “grey gap year” idea and agree that travel is a central pillar of a fulfilling life. Bring. It. On.

After reading the report I was curious about who Australian Seniors regarded as being “Australian seniors” … which is when I discovered the “over 50” bit.

That has not enticed me to partake of their services. It has offended me.

It’s akin to when my pregnancy was classified as “geriatric” at age 36.

Let’s modify the outdated language, shall we?

These days, people aged between 50 and 65 are a long way from being “seniors”.

Case in point … Wilfred Brimley was 50 years old when he was cast as a senior citizen in Cocoon in 1985.

This is what Rob Lowe looks like at age 61 in 2025 …

And these were the supposed ages of The Golden Girls in 1985 …

You do the outdated perception math.

Anyways, according to Australian Seniors’ new report, Australians aged over 50 are more engaged in travel than ever before. Nearly 39 per cent went on a ‘big’ holiday in the past year – a significant jump from less than 18 per cent in 2022.

Among those who went a big holiday, 36 per cent travelled within Australia, with 26 per cent going interstate and 10 per cent staying within their state.

Around 75 per cent already have plans for their next big holiday.

While traditional holidays such as cruises (up to 29 per cent from 22 per cent in 2022) and beach escapes (29 per cent) remain popular, there’s growing interest in ‘slow travel’ and ‘JOMO’ (Joy of Missing Out) trips.

Working seniors – including 90 per cent of full-time employees and 83 per cent of part-time or casual workers – are more likely to have upcoming travel plans, along with Gen X (85 per cent) and men (79 per cent).

Close to two in five (38 per cent) seniors said they would prefer to experience quality time with family on their next holiday, while around one in three are looking forward to relaxation, indulgence or health retreats (36 per cent), and historical or cultural experiences (36 per cent).

Close to half (45 per cent) say their preference for holiday destinations has changed over the past few years – with 30 per cent now more likely to want to travel within Australia.

More than one in two (54 per cent) of seniors expect to spend up to 49 per cent of their financial assets on travel.

The majority (69 per cent) feel guilt-free about spending money on travel that might otherwise go toward an inheritance.

I’m definitely in that category.

Although it does look like I’ve secured a studio apartment for the eldest. I feel a bit giddy with pride at giving him a start on the property ladder.

I will never forget the joy I felt after buying my first place at age 25. The feeling of opening my front door and knowing no landlord could ever kick me out was glorious.

This Australian senior feels like she’s done good for her kid.

PS The main pic is how I will forever picture DD and I.

PPS Did you know the birds start singing at about 4.45am? I wish I didn’t know that. It’s going to be a long day.

Song of the day: Bruce Springsteen “Glory days”