Individuals, Families, and the State: Changing Responsibilities in an Ageing Australia

Hal Kendig and Nina Lucas

Social change in Australia over the post WW II era -including increasing prosperity, massive immigration, and increasing public support - has brought overall improvements in intergenerational relationships and outcomes for older people. The future, however, is more problematic, especially for vulnerable individuals and families over the life course, in the context of rapid societal ageing, uncertain economic prospects, and changing political ideologies.