Insight: Oct 17

Mark Holden is a guest this week on Insight, discussing his Australian Idol sacking, as the show tackles the question “Are we entering the age of no retirement?”

For his recent book launch the TV judge-turned-barrister told TV Tonight, “I thought Dancing with the Stars would put a full stop to my career, but I think it was actually an exclamation mark. No, I don’t think anyone will hire me again, but that’s fine. I’m busy.”

The age we can access the pension will rise to 70 by 2035. Many of us are living longer and healthier lives so the expectation and reality is that most of us will work on later in life.

But that’s not always easy as age discrimination, health issues, caring responsibilities and attitudes towards growing older often get in the way. Many older Australians need to work and want to work but are being forced out of the workplace and finding it hard to get back in.

This week Insight examines how we remain engaged, relevant and productive at work as long as we want to and need to.

We meet 86-year-old lab assistant Pam Robson who works full-time plus overtime and energetic 84-year-old gymnastics teacher Doreen Wilson, both women are keeping old age at bay with good humour, tireless energy and a sense of purpose.

We hear from former TV host and singer Mark Holden about his humiliating sacking from Australian Idol in 2007 that led to him reinventing himself in his late 50s as a barrister.

And at an impressive 103, scientist Dr David Goodall tells us why he’ll keep working until his last breath.

This week on Insight, the joys and challenges of working the late shift.

Tuesday at 8.30pm on SBS.