Myths and Realities of Aging 2000 - Welcome | NCBVI



Myths and Realities of Aging 2000

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) recently released the Myths and Realities of Aging 2000 survey results. The survey was jointly conducted with NCOA, the International Longevity Center, and supported by Oppenheimer Funds and Pfizer Inc. For the second time in 25 years, a follow-up study has overturned stereotypes about aging in America. The survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults of all ages produced a number of surprises.

Nearly half (44%) of all older respondents age 65 and over, say “these are the best years of my life.” This is a 32% increase over the 1974 results. Study subgroups show a slightly different picture. Of older Americans age 65-69, 49% agreed with the statement. Of those in their 70's, 44% agreed. Of those in their 80's, 33% agreed. 60% of older blacks and 57% of older Hispanics agreed. And in spite of some persistent misperceptions about aging, 84% of all Americans say they'd be happy if they lived to age 90.

“When does old age begin?” Current survey results indicate that in the minds of many, old age begins with a decline in physical or mental ability, rather than with the arrival of a specific birthday. Today, the definition of middle age has expanded into the seventh decade for some Americans. Among respondents age 65-69, 45% said they consider themselves middle-aged. Today, 33% of Americans in their 70's consider themselves middle-aged.

“When is it time to retire?” Only 24% of survey respondents cited “ reaching a certain age” as a key factor in deciding to retire. Money and health are more likely than chronological age to determine retirement decisions.

“Does sex appeal disappear with age?” Based on survey results, apparently not, and neither does the importance of sex in later years. 72% of all respondents believe that a 75year old man or woman can be sexy. More than 2 out of 3 older Americans say, having a sexual relationship will be important in making their later years meaningful and vital.

The 2000 survey also demolished the myth of intergenerational conflict. 92% of all age groups disagreed with the statement that “old people are greedy geezers.” 80% of all age groups agreed that “older people get too little respect from younger people.” Results also indicate that younger Americans favor spending more, not less, on older people by maintaining Social Security benefits, expanding Medicare benefits, and increasing tax credits.

Older people are less worried today about health, finances, loneliness, and crime than they were 25 years ago. Today, 12% cited poor health as a very serious problem (21% in 1974). Just 12% of those 65 and over said not having enough money was a very serious problem. Only 4% of older people felt loneliness was a very serious problem. Only 9% said fear of crime was a very serious problem (23% in 1974).

However, study results found that younger people tend to greatly overstate the health, financial, and social isolation problems of older people. In fact, it is younger people who are much more concerned about financial problems, the threat of violence, and loneliness.

“Myths and Realities of Aging 2000 has presented us with grounds for optimism and careful thought,” said James Firman, Ed-D., CEO of NCOA. “The possibility of experiencing positive, vital aging lasting into our tenth decade of life is one of the new realities of this century. While there are reasons for optimism, we need to remember there are millions of Americans for whom old age is a hardship.”

Robert Butler, MD, and CEO of the International Longevity Center concluded that, “While ideas about aging are advancing, Americans still need to do a better job of preparing for old age. Although science has dramatically altered aging-related declines in health, stubborn problems remain, such as the challenge of Alzheimer's disease.”

‘It certainly is true that wealth, as well as health, greatly determines happiness in old age,” concluded Bridget Macaskill, Oppenheimer Funds president and CEO. She cautions that, “As longevity increases, the need for careful planning and extensive discussion with family members increases. Yet the study results show that 44% of respondents had never discussed with their spouse or other family members when they would retire; 40% had never discussed where they would live; and 45 % had never talked out how much money they would need to retire.”

LIFE LINES Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2000, pg 6

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