Are Belgians over 60 ready to grow old?
The King Baudouin Foundation, a public utility foundation created in 1976 in order to serve the general interest and social cohesion, has carried out a survey among 2,000 Belgians from 60 to 85 years old in order to assess their level of preparation for ageing.
The results of this survey reveal several astonishing facts. Firstly, the state of health and degree of isolation are two connected and influential factors when preparing ageing. Indeed, the more the fear of a deterioration in general health increases, the more the degree of isolation increases too. According to the survey, 45% of those surveyed are averagely isolated compared to 23% greatly isolated and 32% minimally isolated.
As for the vision of ageing, 68% of those surveyed declare seeing ageing in a positive manner. Indeed, they prefer to think about the advantages of ageing: more time for oneself and a more peaceful life. It is noted that their level of happiness is quite high because they position it at 7.4 on a scale from 1 to 10, compared to 6.9 for the entire population. Furthermore, one third of the participants views ageing in a bad light. The fear of falling ill or having little social support hinders their preparation for ageing. Not to mention the financial aspect which plays a key role during this phase: 45% of those surveyed are afraid of not having sufficient financial resources for the end of their days.
Then, concerning where they would like to spend their final years, 72% of those surveyed want to remain at home for as long as possible and benefit from help (of a loved one or a professional). The large majority of them even want to opt for "Electronic Assistance" and "Home Alarm System" options in order to preserve a certain degree of autonomy.
With regard to volunteer-managed mutual support groups among inhabitants in certain neighbourhoods: 60% of the participants between 70 and 74 years declare that they were enthusiastic about the idea of participating actively in these networks and see this initiative as a way of fighting social isolation.
Finally, although each individual lives this moment in his or her own way, the priority is to inform our elders about these problems so that they prepare themselves properly and in time for this stage of life.
For further information about the survey, click here.