Productive engagement across the life course: Paid work and beyond
An uncertain economic outlook and the certitude of an ageing population highlight the importance of productivity across all age groups for Australia’s future. This paper provides national findings on both paid, tax-generating and unpaid, voluntary productivity across the life course, focusing primarily on the baby boomer cohort now in late middle age.
Findings from Wave 10 (2010) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey are presented showing productive activities including paid work, volunteering, caregiving, childcare, and domestic work. The results indicate that the kinds of productivity vary across age groups for men and women, the potential competition between paid work and other activities, and the importance of health and education for productivity across all ages. The findings reinforce the value of investment in human capital for productivity across the lifespan inclusive of middle and late life. The Government can lead action to enhance and recognise these contributions that benefit the social standing and well being of ageing individuals as well as bring economic and social benefits to the broader community.