A group of seniors in Brisbane is determined not to add to that load, and retain their independence for as long as possible.
To do this, they've joined a global education movement called the University of the Third Age.
Offering courses from British history to mindfulness, and catering to over 3000 students in Brisbane alone, it's all about active retirement.
ABC Radio Brisbane reporter Georgina Robinson went along to a campus in the heart of Brisbane's CBD to see the impact it has on students and tutors.