* 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."
