How Australia is Changing: Richer, Older, Lonelier

In today's show we delve into the latest findings from the Hilda report, exploring the significant demographic shifts in Australia.

We discuss how Australians are becoming richer yet feeling poorer due to rising costs, the impact of these economic realities on family planning, and the implications of an aging workforce and increasing lonliness.

It's clear these trends aren't random. They're reshaping our economy, our housing markets, our workforce, and even our social fabric in ways many people haven't yet recognised.

Our conversation highlights the importance of understanding these trends for business and investment decisions, as well as the role of data in shaping our understanding of societal changes.

Takeaways

· Australia is experiencing significant demographic changes, including increased wealth and loneliness.

· The Hilda report provides valuable longitudinal data on household dynamics in Australia.

· Rising costs of living are affecting perceptions of wealth and financial security.

· Childcare and housing costs are major factors influencing family planning decisions.

· Many young families feel financially constrained in their decisions about having children.

· The aging population is leading to longer working lives and changing retirement norms.

· Data from the Hilda report can help businesses and investors make informed decisions.

· The relationship between economic trends and psychological perceptions is complex.

· AI and automation will not eliminate the need for human labor in many sectors.

· The housing market is being influenced by demographic shifts and changing family structures.

Chapters

00:10 What the HILDA report reveals about how Australia is changing.

05:10 Why incomes rose but Australians still feel poorer.

10:05 How rising costs reshape fertility, families and childcare choices.

15:05 Time poverty, spending shifts and what Australians now pay for convenience.

19:50 Australians working later in life — and the economic forces behind it.

24:30 What longer careers and aging mean for housing, retirement and future cycles.

About Simon Kuestenmacher

Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group

Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.

He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.

Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.

About Michael Yardney

Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders

While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.

Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.

Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram

Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.

Join Michael and Simon at Wealth Retreat 2026, where Australia's most ambitious investors and businesspeople gather to think bigger, invest smarter, and build intergenerational wealth.

MAY 30th – JUNE 4th 2026 – find out more here: http://www.wealthretreat.com.au/