Australians can expect widespread social and generational change in the home, in the workplace, and in inter-personal relationships over the next decade, according to a new book released this week by KPMG demographer, Bernard Salt.
In The Big Picture, Mr. Salt argues that Australia is on the cusp of a generational shift as "Xers" (Generation X - that is, people born in the 1960s and 1970s) assume control from the baby boomers as the latter press further into pre-retirement in this decade and then into full retirement next decade.
"Kids are living at home longer. Careers are starting later. Jobs are being created and eliminated by new technology within a decade. Young adults road-test several partners before marriage. Work, lifestyles and relationships are becoming more fluid, mobile and transient," he said.
The book looks at the phenomenon of Helicopter Kids - the Generation Y children of babyboomers who will not leave the family home.
Known as `helicopter kids' because they hover about the family home, their numbers are increasing. In 1976 only 21 per cent of 20-somethings lived with their parents but by 2001 this proportion was 30 per cent.
They are also known as KIPPERS: "kids in parent's pockets eroding retirement savings". HECS and high housing costs will ensure that the kippers are here to stay, according to Mr. Salt.
Among other aspects of Australian society covered in his book, Mr. Salt also discusses the "flexible workplace of the 21st century" and how our homes are increasingly becoming adapted to allow us to work from home. He also identifies the leading work-from-home postcodes in each state - for instance, almost one in five people in Palm Beach NSW do not commute to work.
The Big Picture is Bernard Salt's second book. His first, The Big Shift (2001), predicted the sea change shift as a response to the babyboomers turning 50. The new book includes the author's research and writings over five years.
