In Australia, the pension age was lifted from 65 to 67 in 2023.<\/p>\n
For some manual workers, it’s a physical struggle to continue working until 67.<\/p>\n
“For some, 67 is an achievable and even desirable pension age,” said Professor Gary Martin, workplace specialist at the Australian Institute of Management.<\/p>\n
“For others, the road there is far more demanding.”<\/p>\n
Carpenter and labourer Paul Quealy has some advice for young tradies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paul Quealy recently had a skin cancer removed from his nose. (ABC News: Jak Rowland)<\/p>\n
“Save as much as you possibly can before you get to the age of 55 because it’s a long way to the pension and it can be a lot of pain as well,” he said.<\/p>\n
The 60-year-old recently had a skin cancer removed from his nose and needed a skin graft.<\/p>\n
He is physically unable to work a full week.<\/p>\n
“I’ve recently had checks on my knees and the cartilage is worn out in my joints, including my shoulder, and it’s due to lifting heavy weights,” he said.<\/p>\n
His doctor suggested he could apply for a disability pension.<\/p>\n
But Mr Quealy would like to continue to work part-time, though finding a job has been a struggle.<\/p>\n
“You hit 55 and you feel like nobody wants you anymore. I think it has a mental impact on you,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Quealy worked as a carpenter and labourer. (ABC News: Jak Rowland)<\/p>\n
Mr Quealy would like to see the pension age adjusted for people who have worked in physical jobs, including nurses and aged care workers.<\/p>\n
He would also like there to be financial help for manual labourers needing work-related surgery, such as a knee replacement, so they can access private health care rather than having to wait through the public hospital system.<\/p>\n
“So you can get back to work and support your family,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Perhaps there should be some means-tested dispensation for people who can’t afford expensive doctor’s bills.”<\/p>\n
Considering cheaper retirement overseas<\/p>\n
Petia McClenaghan would also like to see the age pension lowered.<\/p>\n
“For physical workers [67] is completely unsustainable. It’s just too hard,” she said.<\/p>\n
The former tuck shop manager said heavy lifting and constantly being on her feet had taken a toll.<\/p>\n
“There was absolutely no way I could continue to do what I did, I was having degeneration in my hips and shoulders,” she said.<\/p>\n
The 58-year-old has minimal superannuation and is having to manage on a JobSeeker payment.<\/p>\n
Although Ms McClenaghan retrained in business administration, she has been unable to find work.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The former tuck shop manager said heavy lifting and constantly being on her feet have taken a toll. (ABC News: Mark Leonardi)<\/p>\n
“I just felt I was being passed over.”<\/p>\n