12 Nov Happiness, Ageing & Retirement
A new survey of over 1,500 Australians reveals that more than 60 per cent of people are looking forward to getting older and 76 per cent of respondents value the contribution of Australia’s ageing population.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) survey was undertaken to mark National Psychology Week and is designed to better understand Australian attitudes towards ageing.
“Rather than the common myth of a dreary old age, the majority of Australians are looking forward to older age and retirement, with benefits including freedom, an active social life and spending more time with family,” said APS President, Amanda Gordon.
“Importantly, our views of at what age one is considered old are shifting.”
Half the respondents (52%) aged 18 to 40 believe a person is only considered to be aged once they reach their seventies and 55 per cent of respondents aged 61 years and over view people as aged when they are in their eighties.
“The survey found that the view of whether a person is considered ê¢__‘–aged” is no longer determined solely by their birthday but more related to lifestyle factors. Forty-five per cent of respondents thought that a person’s outlook on life determined whether they were old.”
So, what is important to us as we get older:
Click here to read more about this happiness related research.