Ms Mary Murphy:

There are things to be done to encourage the individuals but I would redirect focus to make our society more receptive to older individuals seeking work. There is a big cultural piece that needs to be done, which has been mentioned, on ageism. That is a prevalent social problem which causes immense suffering and disadvantage to older persons.

I would particularly say, in the context of employment, that it is of particular disadvantage to older women who want to seek out employment. We are so early on in our awareness of this that just starting the conversation is the almost the main thing we can ask for at this stage. It is about getting people talking about this and being aware.