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Table of Contents
About The Book
But what is it costing future generations?
And why is nobody willing to talk about it?
Australia’s ageing crisis is reshaping the nation — placing enormous pressure on healthcare, aged care, housing, politics, and younger generations struggling to inherit an increasingly unequal future.
In this provocative and deeply thought-provoking book, acclaimed writer Lucinda Holdforth explores the uncomfortable truths behind modern society’s obsession with longevity, youthfulness, and refusing to let go of power.
As Baby Boomers grow older, Australia faces mounting economic and social challenges that experts warn could rival climate change and geopolitical instability in their impact. Yet conversations about ageing, death, generational inequality, and political stagnation remain taboo.
With insight, wit, and fearless honesty, Holdforth asks the difficult questions many avoid:
• What do we owe future generations?
• Why is prejudice against young people so socially accepted?
• Has society become trapped by leaders unwilling to step aside?
• And what happens when entire generations refuse to age gracefully?
Blending cultural criticism, politics, philosophy, and social commentary, this compelling nonfiction book challenges readers to rethink ageing, power, responsibility, and the future we are leaving behind.
Perfect for readers interested in generational politics, social issues, ageing populations, Australian current affairs, and thought-provoking cultural commentary.
“A courageous, witty, compelling and often beautiful argument…” — Charlotte Wood
Appearances
In Person
Australia’s ageing population is reshaping our future placing unprecedented strain on aged care, the economy, and generational balance. As we pursue longer lives, critical questions arise about leadership renewal, fairness, and opportunity for younge
Learn MoreLeichhardt Library
In Person
What happens when death stops doing its job? We’ve spent centuries fighting to live longer, but nobody’s asked what happens when we actually succeed. Is an ageing population a civilisational triumph or a slow-moving crisis we’ve collectively agreed
Learn MoreCarriageworks
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia (March 31, 2026)
- Length: 208 pages
- ISBN13: 9781761821011
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Raves and Reviews
‘a breath of fresh air and an affront/.’
– Lourne Visser, The Conversation
"this book is darkly funny. She’s asking us to confront uncomfortable truths about our extreme longevity."
– Caroline Overington, The Australian
‘A sharp slap to our complacency about the catastrophic damage we're wreaking on our planet, our economy, and the creative regeneration of our culture in refusing to accept that our lives must end. In Going On And On, the always brilliant Lucinda Holdforth presents a courageous, witty, compelling and often beautiful argument for my generation to hurry up and let go. Her book has made me revise my own plans for growing old, showing me how to think clearly and compassionately about the gift we must give the future in supporting the young, stepping back and giving way.’
– Charlotte Wood, Booker Prize-shortlisted author of Stone Yard Devotional
‘Compelling, provocative and quite hilarious.’
– Joe Aston, bestselling author of The Chairman's Lounge
‘A provocative and challenging contribution to the inter-generational debate.’
– Hugh Mackay, bestselling author of The Way We Are
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Going On and On
eBook 9781761821011
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Author Photo (jpg): Lucinda Holdforth Photograph © Carly Earl(0.1 MB)
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