ASFA develops new retirement standard for over 90s

ASFA chief executive Pauline Vamos said the ASFA Retirement Standard for Older Retirees will provide the government with a better indication of the spending magnitude and behaviour of older retirees.

“This will allow them to better analyse the impact that policy changes or price fluctuations in particular areas will have on this cohort of people and make better decisions accordingly," she said.

Ms Vamos said as retirees age their spending requirements change as they are unable to engage in the same types of activities but often require increased care and support which has different cost implications.

The ASFA Retirement Standard for Older Retirees found expenditure for 90-year-olds was actually less than for those aged 70.

For a modest lifestyle, expenditure requirements for 90-year-olds are $22,670 for singles and $33,744 for couples.

For 70-year-olds expenditure for a modest lifestyle is $23,489 for singles and $33,784 for couples.

The difference in expenditure between 70-year-olds and 90-year-olds was greater in the comfortable lifestyle category, with expenditure for 90-year-olds around 10 per cent lower in aggregate than those aged 70.

ASFA said the new standard found that older retirees spend less in aggregate than younger retirees due to a decrease in holidays and other leisure activities outside the home, most likely reflecting their reduced capacity for activity.

“However, they tend to spend more on assistance in the home, including for cleaning services and meals, as well as contributions toward home and community care services,” said Mr Vamos.

“They also tend to have increased out-of-pocket expenses for major medical procedures and ongoing chemist and other medical expenses.”