Tom's weekly pension of $640 barely covered his recent rent increase, forcing him to make drastic changes to his lifestyle. He had to cut back on his food expenses, meticulously budget his savings, and even relocate over 1300 kilometres away just to make ends meet.


Despite having 37 years of experience in the insurance industry, Tom found himself applying for a wide range of jobs, from call centre positions to pizza delivery and cleaning roles. However, his efforts were met with silence, as he rarely received a response to his applications.

This lack of acknowledgement and the subsequent financial strain led Tom into a state of depression.

'I started to get really depressed and I pulled back on spending to the point where I would sit inside my apartment and do nothing and not even drive the car because of petrol costs,' Tom shared with Yahoo Finance Australia.


Unfortunately, Tom's experience is not an isolated case. Many older Australians are facing similar challenges as they attempt to re-enter the workforce. Ageism, or discrimination based on age, is a significant barrier for seniors seeking employment. According to a survey by advocacy group National Seniors Australia, 36% of seniors reported experiencing ageism when trying to find work.

Chris Grice, the chief operating officer of National Seniors Australia, finds this trend disturbing, especially considering the government's emphasis on the importance of older Australians in the workforce for the country's future prosperity. He believes there is a 'silent prejudice' against older workers, often stemming from misconceptions about their ability to use technology and we can’t help but agree with everything Chris Grice has said.


Despite these challenges, older workers have a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer. Their reliability, dependability, and general knowledge make them valuable assets to any workforce.

The Financial Strain on Pensioners

The financial strain on pensioners like Tom is immense. With a weekly pension of just $640, many of our members, much like Tom, have to carefully budget for rent, groceries, car loan repayments, insurance, and bills. They have had to cut back on the quality of food they eat and are constantly mindful of their spending.


Tom's situation is a stark reminder of the financial challenges many pensioners face. He feels neglected by the government and believes that he and other pensioners are treated as irrelevant.

'You feel that you are really, really irrelevant and have basically been thrown away like you are just garbage,' Tom said.

In February, Tom relocated from Sydney to Adelaide after his rent was increased from $490 to $600 a week. He now rents an apartment in Adelaide for $400 a week, which he was recently able to negotiate down to $270 a week temporarily.

Despite these challenges, Tom remains hopeful. He cherishes the small victories, like his recent rent reduction, which provide some relief amidst his financial struggles.


The Plight of Pensioners: A Call to Action

Tom's story is a wake-up call for all Australians. The financial struggles of pensioners are real and need to be addressed urgently. It's time for a change in societal attitudes towards older workers and for more support from the government for our seniors.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we can all play a part in advocating for the rights of older Australians. Whether it's supporting campaigns against ageism or simply spreading awareness about the issues they face, every action counts.



Let's stand together and ensure that all seniors are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. After all, they have contributed so much to our society and it's only fair that they receive the support they need in their golden years.

Have you or someone you know experienced similar struggles? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below. Let's start a conversation and work towards a better future for all Australian seniors.