Time out looks an age away

By REBECCA WALSH

Linda White never imagined she would still be working at 54.

Years ago the Hamilton mother of two thought her fifties might be spent travelling, playing tennis and doing volunteer work.

But the reality is somewhat different - as it is for many people her age.

Mrs White and her husband David, 56, are among those whom Waikato University researchers are labelling the "sandwich generation" - people who are delaying their retirement in order to meet the needs of ageing parents and adult children.

Preliminary results from the research show that a user-pays tertiary education system, reduced health benefits for the elderly and an increase in the age of eligibility for superannuation to 65 have put the squeeze on the 50-to-69-year age group.

Mrs White, a teacher at Hamilton Boys High School, said the description was one that fitted her and husband, who runs his own business.

The couple had chosen to help their daughters, now 24 and 27, through university. It's a decision they do not regret but it cost them - by the time their younger daughter finished studying her fees were $5000 more than her sister's.

"I have a theory your children are your responsibility, especially when they are going through high school or university," said Mrs White. "We helped them pay their fees. They had to have a part-time job for their spending money."

Like many of those interviewed for the Waikato study, the Whites worry about the state's ability to provide for an increasingly elderly population.

They have private health insurance - something they have encouraged their daughters to take up also - and are in a superannuation scheme.

Mrs White's 82-year-old father remains independent but one day may move into the family's Hamilton home.

Although she acknowledges that she and her husband are likely to retire later than expected, money is not the sole reason Mrs White continues to work.

"I like it. I feel I still have a lot to offer.

"But I do think the Government has used scare tactics for my age group, saying you need "X" amount of dollars to retire, and yet we have been hit all the way through. I consider my age group of women have been hard hit."

Mrs White said her divorced female friends worried more about their retirement. Many were trying to pay off mortgages and would have to keep working until they were 65.

Mrs White expects she will continue working for three or four more years.

"I'm saving for me now. I have given my children a good start in life. Now it's time to look after me."