Experts agree that planning for a longer, healthier life is no longer an option in the 21st century.
According to a report published by Grey Advertising/Sweeney Research, baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – are rewriting the rule book on how to live out their golden years, often planning a second or ‘encore career.’ They are not prepared to let the rest of their life fade into insignificance.
Carol Weaving, top South African marketer and Managing Director of Thebe Exhibitions and Projects says the market is responding to this reality as retirees have significant buying power and are an economic force in their own right.
It is estimated that South Africans are turning 50 at a rate of over 1 000 a day. Research conducted by the UCT Unilever Institute and their research partner Synovate estimates that the 1,9 million South Africans who are older than 40 years and are classified as being between the living standards measure (LSM) 7 and 10 have a combined income of R300-billion.
“Retirement has become an industry,” says Weaving. “We have therefore created a one-stop marketing event where the industry can meet current and potential clients and give them tailor-made retirement advice.”
South Africa’s first-ever Retirement Expo, presented by Century Property Developments, will be held at the Coca-Cola dome in Johannesburg from 28 to 30 October.
“We believe it will fill a gap in the market and become an annual benchmark of where retirement is going and for the latest lifestyle offerings,” says Weaving.
Apart from the products and services on offer at the expo, including local and international travel planners, IT products and health and nutrition experts, financial and investment planners, retirement villages and lifestyle resorts, visitors can get real, practical advice on every issue that affects retirement.
Eskom will provide visitors with information about energy saving, including financial subsidies and refunds, in some cases up to 80 percent of money spent.
A series of workshops will be presented by experts in their fields. These include ‘The Silent Epidemic’ presented by Adèl Grobbelaar of Rand Aid Social React, ‘Your retirement: in control or crisis’, presented by Sylvia Walker of Old Mutual, ‘Your greatest retirement risk’, presented by Rob Jones of Shire Retirement Properties, ‘An estate plan – the centrepiece of your retirement puzzle,’ presented by Glacier by Sanlam estate planning specialists, ‘Life rights’, presented by Arthur Case of Evergreen Lifestyles and ‘World of Work in the 21st century for baby boomers and the next chapter – planning your life,’ presented by Lynda Smith of The Refirement Network.
Smith, a well-known retirement coach, says the thought of three decades of leisure following retirement at sixty is not always that appealing. She focuses on retirement trends such as remaining productive in the second half of life, positive ageing, life-long learning, technology and encore careers.
“Modern IT and communication technologies,” she says, “together with a changing world of work, are providing individuals with a variety of ways to mould their work responsibilities around their lifestyles and provide increased flexibility from the traditional 8 am to 5 pm work-week. Working part-time, from home, remotely, job sharing and flexi-time are all becoming viable options for individuals looking at increased flexibility.”
On Saturday, 29 October Grey Power will present a half-day seminar titled ‘Creative ageing for seniors’, which will include strategies for wellness and longevity, financial wellness and an update on the practical implications of legislation applicable to retirees.
Visitors to the Retirement Expo will also receive practical tips and advice on aspects such as discounts and benefits for retirees, the pros and cons of emigrating because your children did so, estate planning and medical plans.
Visitors to the expo can obtain their entry tickets from Computicket – physically or online - at Shoprite Checkers outlets or at the expo itself.
For more information visit http://www.retirementexpo.co.za/ or contact Rene Staack on tel 011 549 8300 or rene@tepg.co.za.