Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

This article by social researcher Dr Kate Crawford is based on many conversations with people in the 50 to 65 year age group who are working full time and thinking about retirement, are in some process of changing their life focus away from their current work, or are fully ‘retired’.
 
There is no precedent for retirement from full time work in the twenty-first century.  Better health and high levels of mobility mean that people now often begin their retirement with a life expectation of more than twenty years and choose to live far from their younger family members.
Of course, there are very large differences between ‘tree changers’ from cities, country people moving closer to town and local retirees. However, some notable common issues have emerged from these conversations.
Firstly, our region usually attracts them before they retire.  From the perspective of a visitor, or a weekly commuter, who leads a busy and complex life in the city, the peace, beauty and tranquility of the region is very alluring.  It is a place to relax, contemplate, eat well and rest well.
Working people in cities are often chronically exhausted from managing high levels of responsibility and continuously interacting and negotiating with colleagues and clients.  Country people also work hard and long hours, and many have been battling drought for years.  Even working locals are busy before they retire.   Before retirement they most need rest and relaxation.
So most retirees dream of a cost of living that they can afford, peace and comfort in a house and garden, less responsibility, and time and energy for hobbies, creativity, and social interaction that has been forgone while working long hours. 
They are health conscious and seek quality food, exercise, and other recreational pursuits.  Some also see retirement as an opportunity to make a difference in the community, or to work for causes that are important for them.  The proximity to services and attractions on the Coast and in Brisbane is another attraction, especially for people moving into the region from the country.
However, as people retire, relax and rest, many feel nostalgic for the structure, connections, routine and discipline of a working life. This is particularly true for men who often have a strong personal identification with their work and career. As a retiree, one has no institutional authority, often little influence, and a decided lack of routine.   
Many couples also need to adjust to spending more time together.  Some find they lack the practical skills to manage land holdings or the confidence to create a new personally meaningful lifestyle, new friends and new communication networks. 
In the immediate financial crisis, the shift from earning a salary to living on a pension or savings is also worrying for some.  A peaceful life can feel boring and socially isolated. In fact, for many people retirement can feel like unemployment or underemployment.
In small Hinterland communities, even where there are many welcoming groups and strong service organizations, newcomers with lots of time and new ideas can be a strain. For example, many have expectations of service, based on experience in more competitive cities and towns, which exceed the habits of small town service delivery.  Old timers like the way things are. Efforts, by newcomers, to offer advice or use their experience to make things ‘better’ are not always welcomed or understood.  
In this region, retirees are a growing sector of the population and represent both a challenge and an opportunity.   New retirees have money to spend and need practical help, things to do, ongoing learning opportunities, social activity and some social recognition.  Providing for their needs represents a growing business opportunity for both the public and private sectors.
For the not-for-profit sector, retirees are potentially a critical resource.  Many have time, knowledge and skills and can willingly contribute to organizations in ways that are beneficial. In the Q2 program, recently launched by the Queensland Government, Anna Bligh has set a target to increase volunteerism in communities by 50% by 2020.  Realising this target in the Hinterland will mean creative work by community leaders to find ways to successfully integrate both newcomers and local retirees into the working fabric of the growing community in ways that strengthen it, and help make it sustainable.