New age for old age, survey finds

Age 71 is the new 60. According to a survey of over 7,000 adults in 19 countries by Euro RSCG Worldwide, respondents have new thoughts about growing old. In fact, many said middle age doesn't start until 48, while old age doesn't start until 71. It takes people even longer to feel old. About 60% of respondents say they feel younger than their age, and more than half are confident that they look younger. Almost 7% of the world's population is 65 or older and has an average life expectancy of 67 — or 27 years older than the life expectancy a century ago. As a result, people are adjusting their lifestyles by staying in school longer, as well as marrying and having children later. Marianne Hurstel, global chief strategy officer of Euro RSCG, said the idea of lifelong independence and mobility are affecting the way people want to age. “Now we must age in such a way that we retain our ability to do things, to contribute and be productive, and to remain a vital part of what's happening around us,” she said. In fact, respondents are mostly concerned about their loss of independence, mobility and financial security. Two-thirds are worried about diminished physical capacity as they grow older, while almost as many worry about losing their cognitive skills. Additionally, more than 60% are worried about running out of money before they die, feeling like they are left to fend for themselves. And in a world where anti-aging products are common, respondents are surprisingly not worried about looking physically unattractive. More than 5,000 people surveyed thought society is too youth-obsessed, while less than 1,500 are reasonably worried about losing their looks. Moreover, only one-fifth of respondents would consider surgical enhancements to look younger. The surveyed adults, however, do not want to live for a long term if their health is poor. About four in 10 people said they would prefer not to live in their late 90s and would rather die younger if it meant they were less frail and more independent. In a hypothetical scenario, 40% of those surveyed would go as far as to consider physician-assisted suicide if their physical health has sufficiently deteriorated. The same amount of respondents believe that medical advances that may extend people's lifespan eventually will damage society and the planet. Tom Morton, chief strategy officer of Euro RSCG New York and co-chief strategy officer of Euro RSCG North America, said the survey shows a new acceptance of the aging process with the new generation of elderly planning to be active members of society as they age. “It's no longer so much about how you look but how you feel and how much you can do,” Mr. Morton said. “They fully intend to remain vital and active, and when that's no longer possible, they'd prefer a quick exit to a prolonged, unsatisfying existence.”