Australians in their 70s and 80s have higher levels of subjective wellbeing than those in their 50s and 60s, according to a new study, Staying Connected: Social Engagement and Wellbeing Among Mature Age Australians. Greater proportions of respondents aged 70 and older had high levels of life satisfaction, were comfortable with their standard of living and felt free to decide how to live their lives.
Despite being in poorer health and more likely to be living alone, people aged 70 and older reported that they were less likely to feel socially isolated and were more likely to be satisfied with their social activities and interactions. Males reported lower levels of social engagement than females.
Staying connected may involve the use of modern technology. Respondents in their 50s and 60s were more likely than older respondents to use sms, skype or online social networking to keep in touch with family or friends.
The report is an outcome of the ADSRI Social Networks and Ageing Project (SNAP), led by Associate Professor Heather Booth, and was compiled by Heather Crawford and Heather Booth. The research was funded through an ARC Linkage Grant with Industry Partner National Seniors Australia Productive Ageing Centre, through which the report is published.