Australian Independent Retirees

30/05/2026

How are you managing?

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Retirees like Carolyn and Ian say rising insurance costs are dramatically changing their retirement plans.

28/05/2026

Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z use social media for financial information, but not all “finfluencers” are what they seem.

26/05/2026

NSW's scenic towns offer seniors tranquil settings, rich culture, and amenities for a relaxing, enjoyable lifestyle in their golden years.

23/05/2026

Another warm up idea - is stay in bed instead - lol !!

Your body will thank you

22/05/2026

DENMARK ENDS POSTAL MAIL
Denmark has become the first country to officially end traditional, nationwide physical letter delivery as of 30 December, 2025, after a 400-year tradition. Driven by a 90% drop in letter volume over 25 years and high levels of digitalisation, Post Nord will now focus solely on parcel delivery, replacing physical mail with digital communication.
Danes can still send a letter but only through a private company. They must either drop it at a shop or pay extra to have it collected from home, and that must be arranged online or via an app. By law, Danes must always be able to send a letter. If a private company stops delivering them, the government
must step in with a new provider.
Is this a sign of the times, and must we wonder if this will happen in Australia, or are we too big a country to make this feasible?

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

19/05/2026

Concerns about the use of AI as a response to loneliness have been raised as one of Australia’s largest community organisations for retirees marks 50 years.

18/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week 2026, and the theme is ‘Your Year To Volunteer’.
National Volunteer Week 2026 celebrates the commitment of current volunteers and invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can spark joy, and a deep sense of purpose.

This theme not only honours the contributions of volunteers but also encourages people across Australia to make 2026 the year they get involved and make a difference.

18/05/2026

AIR's latest media release -
OVER 65-YEAR-OLDS UNFAIRLY TARGETED BY UNEXPECTED CUT IN THEIR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE REBATE

May 18, 2026
“The reduction by the Federal Government in the long-standing Health Insurance Rebate for older Australians is not justified. This change could affect over 2.5 million older Australians,” said Mr Wayne Strandquist, Chief Advocate for the Australian Independent Retirees.

“The health insurance rebate was introduced over 25 years ago with a higher rebate for older people to encourage them to take out and retain private health insurance and reduce the pressure on the public health system,” Mr Strandquist explained.

“The health insurance rebate for older people has been cut from between 28% and 32% to the lower rebate of 24% received by younger Australians. As a result, it is estimated that private health insurance premiums for seniors with higher levels of cover could increase by 21%,” Mr Strandquist warned.

“The government has overlooked that older Australians use their Health Insurance more frequently than younger Australians,” said Mr Strandquist. “Each hospital admission incurs significant out of pocket costs that are lower for younger Australians who require less medical attention per year,” said Mr Strandquist.

“Retirees have limited capacity to increase their income and are finding it more difficult to continue their private health insurance. These cost pressures will potentially lead to older Australians cancelling their Private Health Insurance and putting more pressure onto an already overloaded public health system,” Mr Strandquist noted.

“Reducing the Private Health Insurance rebate will further increase the health costs for older Australians without considering the already higher health costs for retirees when compared to younger workers,” Mr Strandquist concluded.