Pressure To Care For Aged

Newcastle Herald

Monday March 27, 2006

By ADELE HORIN SMH

BY 2041 as many women in their fifties as men are expected to be in the workforce but this official Treasury projection may come unstuck without more workplace flexibility.

Sol Encel, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of NSW, says women in their 50s and 60s will come under increasing pressure to care for elderly parents who are living longer than ever.

Professor Encel said that by mid-century an increasing numbers of Australians will be in their 80s and requiring care. One-quarter of those over 85 are likely to have dementia.

Contrary to Federal Government projections, women in their 50s and 60s may be under pressure to leave work or cut back unless their need to care for ageing relatives can be accommodated.

"There'll be more women in their 50s and 60s caring for relatives in their 80s, 90s and 100s," he said.

SMH