According to a new survey that included more than 1,200 people nationwide and 12,000 globally by healthcare company Bupa, Australians when compared to other countries felt younger at heart.
More than half of all Australians over 65 believe old-age only begins at 80. China fared worse with more than two-thirds believing a person is old by the time they reach 60. Almost one third in France believed a person is only really old when they reach their 80s, compared to just over 20 per cent in Australia. However Australians aged 18 to 24 possess the greatest fear of old age, believing this eventual fate begins to loom at age 50. Men worry less about ageing than women and unlike other nations, Australians do not expect their families to care for them in their old age.
According to Paul Gregersen, managing director of Bupa Care Services Australia, “This research shows that Australians are genuinely only as old as they feel and while the world's population is living longer, our perception of what is old age is also changing.”
Speaking of care for the aging Mr. Gregersen said, “We need to create services based on the mental and physical needs of the ageing.”
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