situation nothing beats a chat with a centerlink financial information service officer let's take a moment to consider the broader impact of this age pension increase it's not just about putting a few extra dollars in pensioners Pockets although that's certainly important this boost can have a ripple effect on the wider Community when our seniors have a bit more financial Breathing Room they're more likely to engage in social activities contribute to local economies and generally enjoy a better quality of life this in turn can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes potentially reducing the strain on our health care System moreover this increase sends a strong message about how we value our older citizens Australia has a proud tradition of looking after its elderly and updates like this reinforce our commitment to supporting those who've contributed so much to building our nation it's a reminder that the age pension isn't just a handout it's a vital part of our social contract