Hiding behind the "ageing population"

Benson-Pope is constantly using the impact of the ageing population (the older age-bands are widening) as a reason for rising sickness and invalid benefit numbers. This is only partly correct, as his own Ministry's research shows;

Figure 3 Invalid’s Benefit Inflow Rates by Age Group, 1993–2002
More than half of the growth in inflows cannot be explained by demographic change and the New Zealand Superannuation age rise. It reflects, instead, an increase in inflow rates for people aged between 15 and 59. Figure 3 shows that inflow rates were higher in 2002 than in 1993 for all age groups within this band.

So next time he uses this excuse know he is telling you less than half the story and when you hear him saying the growth rate is slowing know he is wrong.