Survey reveals 72% of people over age of 65 do not feel old

There is a sharp contrast between people's positive attitudes towards growing old and their preparedness according to the results of a new international survey, Bupa Health Pulse 2010, published today by Bupa Health Dialog.

“These research findings clearly signal a need for services and support that help people better understand and plan for old age, identify caregivers, and consider their later-in-life preferences.”

The survey reveals that almost three-quarters (72%) of people over the age of 65 do not feel old and 67% still feel healthy.

But, as perceptions of growing older are overwhelmingly upbeat, people are failing to plan for the potential challenges associated with growing older. More than one-third of those aged 65+ have made no preparations and only 6% have nominated a family member or carer to look after them in their later years. From a financial perspective, fewer than one-quarter (22%) of seniors worldwide have put aside any savings for old age.

Despite this lack of preparation, people do have real worries about the effects of aging. When respondents over age 65 were asked which disease was most worrisome to them as they get older, dementia was the number one response (37%), ahead of cancer (27%). Across all 12,000 individuals surveyed (covering all age groups), losing memory and independence were top concerns.

Alongside these findings, a report released today by the London School of Economics (LSE) reveals that the 'informal care network' (the traditional pattern of families looking after their dependent older relatives) is disintegrating while the number of older people in need of care is growing.

"With nearly 90 million Americans expected to be over the age of 65 by 2050, the time is now to think about advanced planning, before seniors can no longer do so on their own," said Molly Doyle, Vice President, Senior Programs, Health Dialog. "These research findings clearly signal a need for services and support that help people better understand and plan for old age, identify caregivers, and consider their later-in-life preferences."

Jose-Luis Fernandez, Principal Research Fellow, LSE, said: "Across the world, a combination of societal and economic factors - including demographic changes, the breakdown of the extended family, and the rise in divorce rates, migration, and women in the workplace - are eroding the family-supported structures that have historically provided the bulk of the care for dependent older people. With social care systems also under huge financial strain, a global challenge is emerging about how to support dependent older people in the future."

This survey is the first in a three-part series that will be followed in the coming months by findings on Chronic Disease and Health & Wellbeing.