We found that people’s appetite for life doesn’t dip as life progresses!
A Lust for Life
Our perception of old age is changing for the better, with more people envisioning their later years in a positive light. Many older adults are determined to remain youthful by eating well, staying active, and engaging with technology. Some of our Home Instead clients exemplify this zest for life!
We conducted a survey of over 1,000 adults of all ages across the UK. The results revealed that people’s appetite for life remains strong as they age, with staying active becoming increasingly important. However, there are still concerns about aging, particularly fears of ending up in a care home.
Attitudes to Aging
– 80% of respondents prefer to be treated at home if they become ill.
– 7 in 10 people aged over 75 worry about not being able to look after themselves.
– 89% of the UK’s oldest people endorse an active lifestyle.
Staying Healthy
Respondents are eager to embrace a healthy lifestyle and trust in medical science to help with the effects of aging.
– 66% of all respondents support diet and exercise to stay youthful, rising to 76% among those who care for an older loved one.
– 54% believe that lifespan and health-span will significantly improve over the next decade, increasing to 67% among those over 75.
Staying Active
There is a strong agreement on the importance of staying active in old age.
– 85% of respondents agree on the need to stay active, rising to 89% among over-75s.
– 58% believe older people are not encouraged enough to play sports.
Independence is a Priority
The fear of ending up in a care home is more significant than the fear of losing a partner.
– 44% are concerned about ending up in a care home, compared to 36% who worry about the death of a partner.
– This fear increases with age: 60% for those aged 66-74 and 58% for those over 75.
– 80% prefer home treatment if they become ill, rising to 86% and 91% among the oldest groups.
Common Fears of Aging
Respondents are particularly afraid of Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, and cancer.
Desire to Slow Down Aging
– Carers in the survey (60%) are more open to taking new medications to slow aging, compared to 47% of the general population.
– Enjoyment of old age and retirement increases with age, with 47% of those aged 66-74 and 57% of those over 75 seeing it as the most enjoyable stage of life.
– Anxiety about aging decreases with age. 51% of 35-54-year-olds want to slow down aging, compared to 26% of those over 75.
Technology and Inclusion
Older adults feel excluded from technological advancements, yet many are open to innovations.
– 77% agree tech firms could make more money by targeting older customers.
– Older respondents are open to using Alexa (50%), robots (40%), AI (36%), and VR (35%) to assist with mobility and loneliness.
– 65% believe AI could help keep them connected with family and friends.
– 53% feel older people are culturally excluded, from fashion (60%) and high street brands (59%) to music (66%) and film/TV (57%).
Love and Relationships
The desire for love and intimacy remains strong among older adults.
– 61% want to remain sexually active as they age, including 53% of those over 75.
– 50% are open to looking for love and dating if they find themselves alone, though only 15% of those over 75 would use online dating apps.
Conclusion
The survey highlights a positive shift in how we view aging. Older adults today are more vibrant, active, and engaged than ever before. They want to stay healthy, maintain their independence, and enjoy life to the fullest. This changing perception is a testament to their resilience and adaptability, showing that age is just a number when it comes to living a fulfilling life. At Home Instead, we are proud to support our clients in their pursuit of a vibrant and active lifestyle, proving that the best years are yet to come.