One reads a lot lately in the media about the plight of some who are living a day-to-day existence due to a lack of money.
There are a lot relying on handouts and food outlets to survive.
For those struggling, one wonders what has led to this dreadful situation that many find themselves in.
Many seniors are alone, battling sickness and domestic problems, and we’re told some live on meagre food rations and do little with their time. Not always good for their health.
It affects all ages, not just the elderly, but have there been any surveys done to find out why these situations arise?
Is it through lack of financial planning in their younger days, or circumstances that have just happened along our journey through life.
Many men and women are left alone to manage by themselves, maybe after a loved one passes away or leaves home. This may be for various reasons, just unfortunate circumstances.
The last few years have seen a huge shakeup in our lives, some through fires and flood, others sickness like Covid.
And now the higher house prices and rents are making it difficult for some to live a happy lifestyle.
And to trump it all, a new President in the White House, trying his level best to shake up the world.
It would be hard to judge reasons leading up to these difficult times. Still, it would be fair to say that there will probably be many calling for help to live out their existence in a more humane way.
Many groups are calling on the Federal Government to increase the Centrelink payments as a means for people to live better on a meagre lifestyle.
But does more money make you happy?
I was speaking with an old friend of mine recently who takes small groups of people on holidays, organising their stay at 5-star hotels around the world. Some people from the Gold Coast rang recently and asked him about going to Turkey.
He explained that it would be about $30,000 to go. For them, money wasn’t a problem, when could they go?
So, we have this great divide, the poor living in tents in a day-to-day existence, and others going on trips around the world at will.
Maybe having lots of money, doesn’t make you happy, but some would say, it certainly helps.
Meanwhile, there’s still time to teach your children how to save as much as they possibly can – sooner or later they will all be seniors.
