Caring for aged is role for our young

More workers than ever will be employed in the next 25 years to help Australia’s ageing population.

Most in-demand will be those who can provide alternative therapies to help older people remain mobile and carry on the same activities and interests they have had for decades.

ACH Group acting chief executive David Moran says preventative health measures to help people lead an active and independent life for longer become more important to people as they get older.

“Education in diet and exercise programs is going to help prevent chronic conditions,” he says.

Moran says many key roles will be created to help people live independently in their own homes.

Here’s a glimpse at the jobs expected to emerge to cater for Australians of a certain age.

50 years +

• Financial planners to ensure retirees are able to live the next 50 years in comfort.
• Personal trainers and exercise specialists will help prevent health problems and keep people active.
• Pharmacists to dispense medication and alternative therapists, such as acupuncturists and naturopaths, for natural remedies.

60 years +

• Construction workers to build new housing and lifestyle villages.
• General practitioners and dental assistants to treat older patients with health problems.
• Beauty and massage therapists and hairdressers to keep people looking and feeling young.

70 years +

• Occupational therapists to help increasingly immobile people complete everyday tasks.
• Tradesmen to build in-home modifications to improve accessibility and facilities in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors.
• Skilled manufacturing and technical workers to develop hi-tech mobility equipment and devices.

80 years +

• Lifestyle co-ordinators to help older people maintain their interests later in life.
• Companion care and social and emotional wellbeing counsellors to help people in their twilight years.
• More on-site and live-in carers for round-the-clock care for residents of nursing homes and lifestyle villages. Also in-home residents for emergencies, as well as an alternative response to medical staff.

90 years +

• Aged care service providers and nursing homes will need more senior management and support staff in business and administration for the increasing number of residents.
• Transport staff to help residents commute to appointments and outings and maintain a place in their local communities.
• Gardeners for those who live at home, as well as those in lifestyle villages or nursing homes who have difficulty with mobility.

… and beyond

• The funeral industry already is experiencing a shortage of trained workers in the embalming and undertaking sectors, and more workers will be needed to serve a larger population.
• Family and dispute resolution practitioners to help families deal with the financial and emotional aftermath of the death of a loved one.