Retirement
Are you prepared for life’s ‘grey period’?
Life, retirement and longevity are not black and white matters, so Australian health organisations are urging Australians to discuss their end-of-life wishes with family.
Are you prepared for life’s ‘grey period’?
Life, retirement and longevity are not black and white matters, so Australian health organisations are urging Australians to discuss their end-of-life wishes with family.
Teaching hospital, Austin Health and the government-funded Advance Care Planning Australia program have joined forces to encourage Australians to consider who would speak for them if they were unable to speak, and the health decisions they would want their advocate to make.
Given that about half of Australians will not be in a position to make their own end-of-life decisions, the organisations are launching a National Advance Care Planning Week later this year to improve families’ understanding of what their loved ones want.
Advance care planning is planning which aligns goals, beliefs, values and preferences. According to the organisation, it “prepares you and others to plan for future health care and a time when you may no longer be able to communicate those decisions yourself”.
Commenting on the event, the medical director of Advance Care Planning Australia, Dr Karen Detering said research shows that this sort of planning can reduce stress for people suddenly asked to make decisions for a loved one in their stead.
“Yet in Australia advance care planning is not common or widely understood.”
She continued: “In reality there's an extended 'grey' period, with more of us living with ongoing health issues. In fact 85 per cent of people die after a chronic illness, not a sudden event.
“We want to empower people to understand that they have a choice about their end-of-life care and the steps they can take today to ensure their preferences are known and respected."
The Planning Week website will have resources like conversation starters and forms for each state and territory, as well as videos and personal stories.
"Life is unpredictable. Your health status can change in an instant. This is a conversation for everyone, not just older Australians.
“We need to move beyond the taboos and discomfort about speaking about dying and treat advance care planning as a normal part of life, not unlike retirement planning", Ms Detering concluded.
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more