Youthful or USEful?

AgeWave’s just-released study tells a new story of aging.

What stories do we tell ourselves about aging, and what stories does our culture tell us?

Yesterday, a new Harris Poll conducted by Ken Dychtwald’s AgeWave showed that some of our stories about aging have changed, in a positive direction. If you write about aging issues, you’ll want to read on.

In 2017, I was one of 12 people to participate in FrameWorks Institute’s inaugural training of trainer sessions on reframing aging. What did we learn? Their research, supported by funders and other leading organizations in aging, showed that the predominant story about aging in the United States was one of decline, deterioration, depression and dependence.

AgeWave’s new survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults, including over 900 adults age 50+, shows a shift, giving us reason for optimism and hope. Findings from the survey of adults 50+ counter the many outdated stereotypes about getting older.

Among those age 50+:

• 79% think today’s adults age 60+ are more active than a generation ago; only 9% say they are more rigid.
• 58% say they are more open-minded and curious.
• 69% find the term “longevity” more appealing than “aging”.
• Two-thirds see retirement as a new chapter in life; only 16% say it’s principally a time for rest and relaxation.
• 65% think that values and life lessons are the most important things to pass on.

Of those age 65+:

• 83% say it’s more important to feel useful than youthful. We want meaning and purpose.
• 71% say the best time of their lives is right now or in front of them. Our happiness and sense of freedom increase at this life stage, and we are much less anxious.
• 97% agree that it’s important to stay curious and learn new things.

These survey results are important counters to the story line that as we get older, we become greedy, grumpy and unwilling to learn. Do check out the full report, which includes some great charts and graphs, other research citations and, yes, pics of Mick Jagger and other celebrities.

The study documents an important shift in thinking since I took that FrameWorks workshop over seven years ago. The more we share this information, and reflect it in our own writing, the more we can counter the outdated stereotypes about aging and older adults. Together, we can end ageism.

Read more about ageism and what we can do to combat it.

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