Britain is a country where old men don't have a problem with themselves but believe the rest of society does have a problem with them

More than 2,000 old men and women aged 65-93 have been surveyed by 'YouGov' for a firm providing support services for older people, Invicta Telecare. The results were interesting indicating that :

* about 63% agreed that being old was 'just a mindset' and refused to define themselves as old.

* more than a third (39%) said they were 'happier' than at any time and 42% described themselves as 'more tolerant'.

* only 6% feel their age 'changes the way they live their life' and would class themselves as ‘old’.

However :

* almost half of those questioned (47%) complained of ageism.

* almost two-thirds (62%) were concerned about 'being seen as a problem by society'.

* one in five of those polled (21%) worried about being thought of as a 'burden to friends and family' as they grew older.

* 48% said they thought their generation was 'ignored'.

* more than a third (37%) felt 'treated disrespectfully' because of their age.

* About 34% complained the word 'old was derogatory', while 27% disliked the word 'elderly' and 30% objected to being described as an 'OAP' (Old Age Pensioner).

Wendy Darling of Invicta Telecare said:
 "It's important to tackle the old-fashioned taboos that many are coming up against. It's clear many worry they will lose their identity and be seen as a problem as they grow older so it's important not to underestimate the support out there which will give full control of your freedom and independence."