What is Positive Ageing?

The Age Concern New Zealand publication 'Ageing is Living - a Guide to Positive Ageing' looks closely at what Positive Ageing is. Challenges and opportunities are unique to each period in a person's life, and older age can be a positive growth phase of life like any other. Positive Ageing is not about living longer, nor about how to avoid growing old. It is about making the most of the benefits of being older.

You can be as 'old as you feel at 40' or 'young at heart at 80' - it's about attitude. Ageing positively is as much about attitude and personal views of life as it is about what one does. Even in a time of constraints, loss and change a positive attitude may help to make life more satisfying.

"People age well when they continue to contribute and participate in society, as much as they wish to, with respect and support from their families and community."

What do you know about growing old?

Each of us will have certain expectations about life as an older person. Our attitudes towards and knowledge of ageing can influence our desire and ability to plan ahead

Take a quick quiz to find out - answer true of false

The number of older people in the community is increasing.
Today families are less caring for older people than they were in the past.
Most older people get depressed.
All older people eventually become mentally confused.
Most older people are able to look after themselves.
As you age you get less intelligent.
There are more older women than older men.
On average, older people take more medicines than younger people.
Older people do not benefit from regular exercise as much as younger people
All older people are alike.
As you get older you lose the desire to express and enjoy sexual love.
Osteoarthritis is inevitable as joints wear out.
Our arteries inevitably harden as age progresses.
Creativity and original thought peak in the late forties and decline thereafter.

How did you do?

Here are the answers...

TRUE. By the year 2021 21% of the New Zealand population will be aged over 60.
FALSE. There are a lot of pressure on the family today but family members are still the main caregivers when older people need support.
FALSE. However, depression is more common than most people think. Those who are unwell, isolated or in supervised care are at greater risk.
FALSE. Even among those over 80 years old, only one in five will suffer any form of serious forgetfulness or confusion.
TRUE. Around 94% of older New Zealanders live in their own accommodation and look after themselves.
FALSE. Intelligence does not normally decline with age.
TRUE. Women tend to outlive men in our society.
TRUE. On average older people take about twice as many medicines as younger people.
FALSE. Older people probably benefit more from regular physical activity than any other age group.
FALSE. Every individual is different. Older people are as diverse as any other group in the community.
FALSE. Older people can and do enjoy loving relationships beyond their 80's.
FALSE. Joints that receive regular, sensible use maintain their efficiency.
FALSE. This phenomenon is related more to lifestyle and diet throughout life than to age itself. It is like going grey. Some arteries harden more than others.
FALSE. Creative people often are at their most original in their 70's and 80's. Countless vigorous intellects have declined in the mistaken belief that old age brings unavoidable mental loss.

Key Factors for Positive Ageing

Older people discussing positive ageing in New Zealand have identified some key factors for ageing well.

Having the Attitude

Some of the key attitudes older people see as being important for positive ageing

optimism
faith or believing
confidence and courage
maintaining a sense of adventure
guts and determination
a sense of humour
learning to live with limitations, reinvention

Positive attitudes to ageing is often shown by the following characteristics.

sense of pride and determination in the face of adversity
an interest in sustaining social relationships
a tenacity of self in a changing world
an acceptance of 'give and take'
an awareness of the need to make the most of one's assets
a desire to live a quality life.

Being Adaptable

Older age is a time of change which offers opportunity as well as challenges. Changes we may face are many and varied and can include our change of work role and status, body image, living arrangements, social networks, bereavements through the death of a spouse or partner, and changes to physical health and abilities.

The impact of the change will depend on people's attitudes about the change, coping skills and support they have and the environment in which the change takes place. Change is not necessarily a negative time, and can be a time of challenge and growth.

Others areas of positive ageing are discussed in the Positive Living Booklet. The book is

Ageing in New Zealand
The Ageing of the Baby Boomer Generation
What is Positive Ageing
Quiz: What do you know about growing old?
Myths and Realities
Cultural Diversity in Ageing
On Ageing Well – key factors for positive ageing
Thinking Ahead for Positive Ageing
Questionnaire: Personal values and goals
Preparing for older age
Personal Strategies for Positive Ageing
A Plan of Action for Positive Ageing
Promoting Positive Ageing in the Community
Resources

For more information visit the Age Concern New Zealand website page about the book.

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 04/12/2008