We understand the value of a good retirement after years of hard work. We're always on the lookout for news that affects our members, specifically retirement-related concerns.

That's why we couldn't help but take notice of this image that's been doing the rounds on the internet. The image features a hardworking tradie holding up a sign that has resonated with many.

The sign reads, 'Only a bloke who's worked in an office his whole life would think you can work until you're 70.'

A photo of an Australian worker is being widely shared as outraged Australians respond to the suggestion of raising the pension age to 70. Source: Facebook

The photo comes in response to Australia's recent changes to pension eligibility.

The age at which Australians can access their pension has gradually risen from 65 to 67 as of July 1 this year.

This has triggered outrage among blue-collar workers who believe it's unjust to expect people nearing 70 to continue performing physically demanding labour.

Many Aussies feel strongly that this change asks too much of older workers, whose bodies may already feel the wear and tear from years of hard work.

Sharing their thoughts and experiences online, Australians have been voicing their concerns and rallying behind the message in the image.

'My body is just tired, as is my husband's, who is 66. We both need to just rest now. We had planned on retiring at 65. Then they changed the goalposts.' one person wrote in response to the photo.

Another echoed these sentiments, saying, 'I've worked 43 years as a butcher. I'm almost 65 years old, I think I've done enough, and my body agrees.'

Call for Politicians to Experience Tradies' Work Firsthand. Photo by August de Richelieu

Others have argued that politicians cannot truly understand the physical toll that manual labour takes on a person's body, particularly after decades of work.

Many suggested that these decision-makers try spending some time in the shoes of a tradie to get a genuine understanding of the issue at hand.

'The politicians all need to get out of their chairs and do a tradies' job for a week or two, then they will know what a bad back is and realise that the body won't let you work until you are 70.' one commenter proposed.

Another added, 'I would like to see all politicians work a week as a bricklayer, a boilermaker, a plumber, or a builder—doing what we did to 65, they couldn't for a week.'

The current pension eligibility age is 65 years and six months for Australians born between July 1, 1952, and December 31, 1953. For those born after this date, pension access starts no earlier than 66. For anyone born after January 1, 1957, the age will increase to 67 as of July 1.

Macquarie University Professor of Statistics Hanlin Shang suggests that the pension age may need to rise again to 70 by 2050 to keep government spending under control.

Professor Shang highlighted that the extended lifespan of Australians poses a challenge for the government in financing individuals' retirement needs through a pension scheme.

'Less people in the working group and more in retirement will make the old age dependency ratio (OADR) higher.' Professor Shang said.

'What this means is there are fewer working people to support elderly people. And with more elderly people in the population, this will create a burden for the government pension system.'

Key Takeaways

• An image of a tradie holding a sign against raising the retirement age has gone viral and gained support from many Australians who oppose pension eligibility changes.
• The sign reads, 'Only a bloke who's worked in an office his whole life would think you can work until you're 70.'
• Many blue-collar workers are angered by the change as physically demanding labour becomes more difficult as they age.
• Australia's pension age rose to 67 on July 1 this year, with research suggesting it will need to rise again to 70 by 2050.

It's essential to ensure the hardworking men and women who've dedicated their lives to their trade have their voices heard and their concerns addressed.

So, as our government wrestles with these issues, let's keep the conversation going and ensure the rights and concerns are fully considered.

Members, what are your thoughts on the image of the tradie holding the sign about working until the age of 70? Does this image and the sentiments expressed resonate with you?

Share your opinions and feelings about the changes in pension eligibility and the challenges workers face in physically demanding jobs.

 

[Pink lion]

All of us have our stories, I worked three busy jobs at the same time, when I was 17, plus I trained hard 3 nights a week. My determination and work hard, play hard attitude, enabled me to achieve many noteworthy things, over the years.
I often had two jobs at the same time and trained very hard. Money was like water, it was easy to find, easy to make and always fun to splash around.

Many incidents over the years including three separate, no-compensation paid accidents in the workplace, a cyclone, two big floods, failed marriage, a heart injury, shoulder injury bad skin cancer for a couple of years etc etc knocked my life around for a while and now after the flood, I'm living in a building site hut. life is really good however because gratitude is my attitude, as I'm still here.

I think ok, I'm seventy in October, there's bugger all in the bank, better keep on it and so like many, I entertain myself every day and night, with my aspirations.

My point in contributing, is that LIFE HAPPENS and sure the government may have money for us, or money may be due from investments or relatives, but if none of that is expected, just keep a happy heart and a positive outlook. Every day, do something consistently, that is aimed at positively resurrecting your life and that's it. we'll all get there. It's how I'm sorting my finances out anyway.

I'm contributing my perspective, as a reminder to any, upon reading of the financial capacities of others, who have no such rewards coming themselves, to have faith, as you happily entertain and apply yourself everyday hey guys.

They say it's the journey, not to destination sure, but it's our life attitude in the journey, that decides how well we live, what we do and who we meet along the way. Felt to share.

 

[Penny4]

Yes but they don't pay for their employee's retirement like Australian Employers do, my god talk about lumping everything onto the employer. I personally think it was OUTRAGEOUS to make it LAW that employers HAD to put away money for their employee's retirement. NO WONDER factories , and manufacturing disappeared in Australia.

Well, we can't change what our Govt. rules are, so I never lose sleep over it. Plenty of older employees don't even have superannuation, before it was mandated.
I have an American friend in her early 60's. Coincidentally, I have asked her about super. When she moved interstate, she was able to access her superfund (they don't call it superannuation), as she was unemployed. I asked her if she could get unemployment benefits. She could if she applied for it. Just recently, she tells me she is blessed to be now working at a local supermarket. Prior to this, she worked in a primary school. She also now pays her own health insurance, as you really need it over there. If not, it's a terrible thing.
Many years ago, my son played pro baseball in USA. If the team played another pro team in another state, they had to pay tax in that state. This is because every state charges a different tax bracket. On a separate note, there are a few states that are exempt with sales tax. Delaware is one.
We can't match up our system to USA's tax/health etc. - it's too flipping heck complicated.

 

[AlanQ]

Employers in USA pay for their employee's health insurance. Australia doesn't do that.

Apart from the fact that Aust (like 70% of the western world) has a universal health care system in place. In the US, SOME employers & by that a mums & dad operation would not ever be in the position to pay their employee's health insurance. Many jobs in Aust allow you a salary sacrifice to pay bills (like private health insurance) before your wage is taxed. Equally, in the US (in some cases) when you leave a job that has health insurance coverage, you loose that cover & if you have a pre existing (high cost) illness good luck finding a HMO that will provide cover. The affordable health care Act (Obama care) gives some protection, but often the insurance provider will exclude cover of pre existing.

 

[AlanQ]

The ACTUAL retirement age in this country is when you're able to self fund. You can access your superannuation from the age of 60 without tax penalties if you want to retire 'early'. Then, when you reach the eligible age of the aged pension you test your eligibility based on your assets etc. Given compulsory (for all) super has existed in this country for near on 30 years. Basic calculation of a person that may have earnt the average wage $42k in 95 would have accumulated approx $150K in super (based on 10% of income increasing 3% pa) (roughly $85k) most recent ABS shows average wage in Aust is $87k. Assuming you own your house with little to no debt using the super fund would be yours to live off until you get to the eligibility to apply for the aged pension. Most likely would also qualify for a health care card based on low income from 60. If someone is so exhausted and wants to retire, then use your super as it was originally designed to be used for, to enable you to support yourself then the age pension kicks in.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

The ACTUAL retirement age in this country is when you're able to self fund. You can access your superannuation from the age of 60 without tax penalties if you want to retire 'early'. Then, when you reach the eligible age of the aged pension you test your eligibility based on your assets etc. Given compulsory (for all) super has existed in this country for near on 30 years. Basic calculation of a person that may have earnt the average wage $42k in 95 would have accumulated approx $150K in super (based on 10% of income increasing 3% pa) (roughly $85k) most recent ABS shows average wage in Aust is $87k. Assuming you own your house with little to no debt using the super fund would be yours to live off until you get to the eligibility to apply for the aged pension. Most likely would also qualify for a health care card based on low income from 60. If someone is so exhausted and wants to retire, then use your super as it was originally designed to be used for, to enable you to support yourself then the age pension kicks in.

It's closer to nearly 40 years Super was compulsory, but your average wage is a bit high back in 95 not many on that, and I also think the % to be put away was closer to 4%, it has only now gone up to 10%, so I'm thinking your figures are way out, but you are right that you can retire when ever you want and access your Super from 60 onwards with out penalty.