Research snapshot: positive ageing
Does a positive attitude to ageing make older people more prepared for it?
Are you ready for the years yet to come in your life, and do you feel good about them?
As the National Seniors Research Team reported in early 2023, 68% of older people feel prepared for ageing, but 57% have concerns about ageing and 31% feel there is nothing positive about it.
Based on the 10th National Seniors Social Survey, the work showed that people who feel there are positives to ageing are 340% more likely to feel prepared for it.
On the other hand, those with concerns are 60% more likely to feel unprepared, or on the fence about their preparedness.
In an interview with the ABC about this research, National Seniors’ Head of Research Dr Diane Hosking was asked if a positive attitude can change life outcomes.
“It would be good if that were the case,” was Dr Hosking’s answer.
“We found a positive attitude certainly meant that people felt more prepared. But it can also be that if you’re feeling positive about something, you’re much more likely to get out there and do something about it.
“But it wasn’t just about a positive attitude, obviously. People who were more prepared also had greater resources – better health and more money. So those things can make a really big difference.”
To find out more, read the full research report Preparation for Ageing and Later Life here.
