Seven in ten people over the age of 70 believe the reality of their lives is at odds with how younger generations view them, according to research commissioned by later-life-care innovator KYN. Despite Gen Z being considered the most open-minded and inclusive generation, nearly a third associate old age with being past your prime while just 19% think they will enjoy later life.
Only 9% of over 70s worry that they won’t be happy in later life – compared to a fifth under the age of 70 – and a third are looking forward to more life experiences as they age, compared to 22% of those under 70.
The study also showed that over 70s are significantly less likely to report feeling lonely than those under 70.
When asked to describe later life, younger age groups were significantly more likely to select words connoting negativity and limitations, such as:
- ‘Vulnerable’ (25% vs 13%);
- ‘Tired’ (10% vs 6%);
- ‘Grumpy’ (10% to 4%);
- ‘Frail’ (10% to 3%);
- ‘Naïve’ (3% to 0%).
By contrast, over 70s placed kindness and experience at the core of their descriptions of their own age group:
- ‘Knowledgeable’ (42% vs 27%);
- ‘Interesting’ (23% vs 18%);
- ‘Friendly’ (19% vs 11%);
- ‘Courteous’ (18% vs 6%);
- ‘Caring’ (12% vs 8%);
- ‘Savvy’ (11% vs 3%);
- ‘Sociable’ (12% vs 6%);
- ‘Relaxed’ (11% vs 7%);
- ‘Patient’ (8% vs 5%).
Caroline Naidoo, Managing Director of KYN said: “We’ve commissioned this study to truly understand the reality of later living and what it means to be perceived as ‘old’ today. Sadly, as we get older, we can end up defined by our age – but we are so much more than just a number.
“People’s past experiences, current interests and future wishes are still as relevant in later life as they ever have been. That’s why we at KYN believe it’s important to challenge the status quo in attitudes towards later life and consider the detrimental impact of stereotyping someone by their age. We hope this study will prompt everyone to sit up and take note of these findings – whether they’re working in the care sector or seeing older relatives in a new light. Together we can start to destigmatise later life.”
