2006 Media Releases
Friday, 7 April 2006
Too many, too old?
THE SPECTRE OF APOCALYPTIC DEMOGRAPHY
What will be the consequences of a higher proportion of older people in our population? Are alarming terms like ‘apocalyptic demography’ being brandished about in Australia and the USA justified?
A leading American expert on the politics and policies of aging, Professor Robert Hudson, will discuss this and other aspects of aging at a free public seminar in Melbourne on Monday 10 April.
The seminar is sponsored by La Trobe University’s School of Social Work and Social Policy in conjunction with the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
Professor Hudson holds the Chair of Social Policy at the Boston University School of Social Work. Professor Hudson has written widely on the policies and politics of ageing in both the United States and cross-nationally.
The Johns Hopkins University Press published his latest book, 'The New Politics of Old Age Policy' last year.
The seminar, which runs between 3.30 and 5 pm at the La Trobe University City Campus, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, is called “Contemporary Politics of Ageing in the United States: Implications for Australia”.
Professor Hudson says the twin phrases ‘Ageing Australia’ and ‘The Greying of America’ are much on the tongues of political pundits and policymakers in both nations.
‘Yet, while this demographic trend is both indisputable and unprecedented, its meaning and significance remain open to question,’ he says.
‘Ideology and politics loom behind the spectre of "apocalyptic demography" found in much contemporary commentary. Such agendas need be acknowledged as policy responses to population ageing are formulated.’
Seminar convenor, Professor Allan Borowski of La Trobe University School of Social Work and Social Policy, says the seminar is an opportunity to hear an exciting international speaker.
‘What Professor Hudson has to say will be of interest to older people, government representatives, academics, practitioners and students. Those attending will have the opportunity to question Professor Hudson on his views.’
Professor Hudson is currently a Visiting Professor, School of Social Work, at the University of Melbourne.
For further information:
Further information: Professor Allan Borowski, Tel: 9479 2413 or La Trobe University Media & Communications Unit, Tel: 9479 2316.