Retirees Trade Relaxation for Rebellion, Demanding Accountability from Governments and Arms Dealers
Sydney, Australia – A growing wave of retiree activists is trading retirement plans for protest signs, driven by a sense of responsibility to address global issues they believe their generation exacerbated. Among them is Jaimie, a baby boomer who advocates for direct action, including demonstrations and pressuring governments and weapons companies.
“It’s so crucial that we undertake activism, that we get out on the streets, that we pressure our governments and the weapons companies because if we don’t we’re just all complicit,” Jaimie stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by a cohort feeling compelled to rectify past oversights. This movement isn’t simply about voicing concerns; it’s about taking risks and accepting potential consequences, notably as financial pressures ease with retirement.
Jaimie and others express a strong belief that their generation has a particular duty to act, acknowledging they ”stuffed up the whole world.” ”I feel like we are the ones who should be putting in the work and taking the risks that are involved in taking action against injustice,” she explained. The freedom from employment concerns allows for engagement in more impactful, though possibly legally challenging, activism.
However, activists emphasize the importance of informed decision-making regarding participation in actions that carry the risk of arrest. “It’s critically important to make fully informed decisions about getting involved where ther’s a risk of arrest. Think thru what that might mean for you,” Jaimie advised.
A key focus for the group is ensuring the longevity of the movement through mentorship and the inclusion of younger generations. ”We need succession planning. We need to bring young peopel in all of the time,” Jaimie said, highlighting the value of shared experience. “There’s a lot to learn, a lot of skills to learn and a lot of experience to be gained.And older activists are very happy to share that with younger activists.”
The story is featured alongside the new season of Mother and Son, available to stream free on ABC iview.
