4914.0.55.001 - Newsletter: Age Matters, Dec 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 22/12/2003   
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SNAPSHOT OF CURRENT PROJECTS

Australian Social Trends: Two articles are being prepared by NASU for inclusion in the 2004 edition of Australian Social Trends. The topics are:

  • Mature age workers and the labour market: This article will use data collected in Labour Force Surveys and Supplementary Surveys to examine labour market characteristics of mature age persons, focusing on persons in the labour force. It will compare characteristics of mature age workers with prime age workers, eg. duration of unemployment, retrenchment, status in employment and hours of work.
  • Older persons in the community: This article will use data collected in the 2002 General Social Survey to examine the social interactions of older people, in particular, those living alone and at risk of becoming social isolated. It will look at contact with family and friends, support given to family, involvement in sporting and social activities, use of the Internet, voluntary work, and feelings of safety. It will also look at characteristics that have been identified as barriers to social participation such as health, income, education, employment status, access to transport, proficiency in English and location (city vs rural).

Mature age persons statistical report: This report will present a profile of mature age persons (aged 45-64 years) comprising several components including demography; labour force status and experience; not in the labour force; health; education and training; housing, mobility and transport; social and economic aspects and indicators; Indigenous mature age persons; data from the Department of Families and Community Services; and international comparisons.

Analysis of 2002 General Social Survey: The ABS Analytical Services Branch (ASB) are working on a report presenting results from their analysis of the 2002 General Social Survey (GSS). The report gives details of the characteristics of mature age persons not in the labour force, draws a comparison with those in the labour force. Data are analysed using different techniques including descriptive analysis, a logistic regression model, and a multinomial logit model.