Leading psychologist calls for recognition of new reality of ageing
Society's view of ageing is fundamentally flawed with the over 55s in reality travelling the world and living the happiest and most fulfilled lifestyle of any age group, according to the Standard Life report 'Age Old Stereotypes', published today. In the report, psychologist Honey Langcaster-James calls for an end to society's 'deep rooted ageism' and recognition that baby boomers have lifestyles closer to our perception of under 25 year olds than over 55s.
The report is based on a YouGov survey of 2,100 UK adults and found:
People define over 55 year olds by what they don't do. The perception is they are most likely of all age groups to be lonely and least likely to have hobbies or be doing anything adventurous
In reality, over 55 year olds are most likely to be active in the community, most likely to be travelling abroad and least likely to be lonely. Of all age groups, over 55s are most likely to be happy and content
Most people believe that the 'time of our lives' is aged between 18 and 25 years old, when you are most likely to have time for fun and socialising, be most likely to play sport and hobbies, and be adventurous
18 to 25 year olds were in reality most likely of all age groups to be lonely and have financial worries. They are least likely to be in a satisfying relationship or to live in a nice home.
Honey Langcaster-James said: "We still think of over 55s as being past it, lonely, almost 'retired' from active life. With 61 year olds reaching the North Pole, 50 year olds having children, 75 year olds starting up new businesses, the reality could not be further from these outdated stereotypes. Baby boomers are actually in fact having the time of their lives."
She continued: "We have to address society's deep rooted ageism and overcome the negativity associated with being older. There is a clear opportunity for government and the financial services industry to harness the optimism that the baby boomers have for the future with the long-term saving needed to achieve their goals. If we can do this, then the benefits to our society and economy will be significant."
John Lawson, Head of Pensions Policy, Standard Life said: "Baby boomers live a far younger lifestyle, are ambitious for an active future when they can travel more, work on their terms and launch new business ventures, as well enjoy time with friends and family. This shift in attitudes spells the death of retirement as we know it. The financial services industry must respond and do more to connect this excitement for the future to saving into lifelong products that will allow people to achieve their goals."
Additional research findings:
People think that between 26 to 35 years old, you will be most likely to 'settle down' and care for children/ family or start a business
In reality, this age group is the least defined with people just as likely to be travelling abroad and socialising than having children or starting a business
It is not until 'middle age', between 36 to 55 years old, that people are most likely to care for children or family, be in a satisfying relationship or start a business
At this age, people were also found to have least time for fun or socialising and be least likely to be happy and content.
'Age Old Stereotypes' is based on a YouGov survey of a UK representative sample of 2,100 adults analysed by psychologist Honey Langcaster-James. Respondents were asked to identify which feelings and activities they thought were typical at a certain age. To avoid bias, the survey was repeated a week later when respondents were asked to identify which activities and feelings applied to them
Well this is good.............just joined the forum after months of reading as a guest.........and this my first ever post is about age!!
Ok so I'm 54 and a half!!, so not in last category yet.....
Glad to have joined the forum though, supported club since I was 5 (1960).....only get along to occasional games, but will be there for the opening game of season!
Hoping people can keep me updated with whats going on with Addicks as I now live in East Midlands and work in Asia/South America.........long commute!!
a) never play for England
b) never win a light-heavy or cruiserweight world title
c) get older
d) be able to take the piss out of people who are younger than me
Comments
Society's view of ageing is fundamentally flawed with the over 55s in reality travelling the world and living the happiest and most fulfilled lifestyle of any age group, according to the Standard Life report 'Age Old Stereotypes', published today. In the report, psychologist Honey Langcaster-James calls for an end to society's 'deep rooted ageism' and recognition that baby boomers have lifestyles closer to our perception of under 25 year olds than over 55s.
The report is based on a YouGov survey of 2,100 UK adults and found:
People define over 55 year olds by what they don't do. The perception is they are most likely of all age groups to be lonely and least likely to have hobbies or be doing anything adventurous
In reality, over 55 year olds are most likely to be active in the community, most likely to be travelling abroad and least likely to be lonely. Of all age groups, over 55s are most likely to be happy and content
Most people believe that the 'time of our lives' is aged between 18 and 25 years old, when you are most likely to have time for fun and socialising, be most likely to play sport and hobbies, and be adventurous
18 to 25 year olds were in reality most likely of all age groups to be lonely and have financial worries. They are least likely to be in a satisfying relationship or to live in a nice home.
Honey Langcaster-James said: "We still think of over 55s as being past it, lonely, almost 'retired' from active life. With 61 year olds reaching the North Pole, 50 year olds having children, 75 year olds starting up new businesses, the reality could not be further from these outdated stereotypes. Baby boomers are actually in fact having the time of their lives."
She continued: "We have to address society's deep rooted ageism and overcome the negativity associated with being older. There is a clear opportunity for government and the financial services industry to harness the optimism that the baby boomers have for the future with the long-term saving needed to achieve their goals. If we can do this, then the benefits to our society and economy will be significant."
John Lawson, Head of Pensions Policy, Standard Life said: "Baby boomers live a far younger lifestyle, are ambitious for an active future when they can travel more, work on their terms and launch new business ventures, as well enjoy time with friends and family. This shift in attitudes spells the death of retirement as we know it. The financial services industry must respond and do more to connect this excitement for the future to saving into lifelong products that will allow people to achieve their goals."
Additional research findings:
People think that between 26 to 35 years old, you will be most likely to 'settle down' and care for children/ family or start a business
In reality, this age group is the least defined with people just as likely to be travelling abroad and socialising than having children or starting a business
It is not until 'middle age', between 36 to 55 years old, that people are most likely to care for children or family, be in a satisfying relationship or start a business
At this age, people were also found to have least time for fun or socialising and be least likely to be happy and content.
'Age Old Stereotypes' is based on a YouGov survey of a UK representative sample of 2,100 adults analysed by psychologist Honey Langcaster-James. Respondents were asked to identify which feelings and activities they thought were typical at a certain age. To avoid bias, the survey was repeated a week later when respondents were asked to identify which activities and feelings applied to them
Ya cheeky young git!
Ok so I'm 54 and a half!!, so not in last category yet.....
Glad to have joined the forum though, supported club since I was 5 (1960).....only get along to occasional games, but will be there for the opening game of season!
Hoping people can keep me updated with whats going on with Addicks as I now live in East Midlands and work in Asia/South America.........long commute!!
Add another one to 1948. At least we know what Mummy and Daddy did after the war!
I am 47 but a little perturbed that your user name is MiserableOLD-ish git i am not oldish
So do I, but the wife wont let me have one ;(
Feel like a 26 year old, do you ?
I'm 26, Sam ...... or at least I was once (!)
;o)
I bet you're not an 'old-ish git' either!
;o)
And the reality has set in that I will
a) never play for England
b) never win a light-heavy or cruiserweight world title
c) get older
d) be able to take the piss out of people who are younger than me
"oh but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now."