APIA (Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency) have recently published the findings of a comprehensive research project looking at the attitudes of people over 50. Its a very interesting read and we are giving you a brief run down on responses to the main issues. The over 50s interviewed for the research were mostly an optirmistic and enegetic group. Issues of concern were health, terrorism and crime. There was some concern about ” old age”, but it was not high on the list. There was strong interest in continued education and learning and many believed that this was a way to assist both physical and mental health.
GENERAL WELLBEING
When discussing concerns about ageing, the main worry for most people was about losing independence as they got older. People wanted to look after themselves for as long as possible. The great majority felt younger than their actual age and they really valued their friends and neighbours.
FAMILY
Family issues and relationships were very important. Spending time with families is what over 50s most liked doing.
HEALTH
Health was a major issue for most people in the study. They expected to live longer than their parents and planned to try and live a healthy lifestyle.
RETIREMENT
Not surprisingly most over 50s don’t see retirement as a time to slow down and relax. Most said that they still have many things to achieve and were interested in starting new projects. Many were making a transition from full time employment to a part time role and were very busy in a variety of community, club and recreational activities. There was strong interest in adult educationand the opportunity to continue learning.
MONEY
Most Australians do not have enough money to fund their own retirement and will need some form of government assistance. However this did not appear to be a major concern. A large number of over 50s say that they don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy retirement. This is the “can do” attitude that appears throught this APIA research. People adapt to their circumstances.
LEISURE
No great surprises here. Over 50s were keen to spend more time and money on sport, recreation and club memberships.While bowls, golf and tennis were the most popular sports, bushwalking, watersports, dancing, arts and crafts also rated highly. There were also many who expressed interests in extreme sports. Travel was one of the many activities that the group enjoyed although it didn’t dominate.The findings would not surprise most of us in our 50s & 60s. We know that we are an enthusiastic, active and interested group who have a lot of living to do. We are certainly not old, although we are a little wiser.