Research Dispels Old Myths about Ageing

Tom Kirkwood, an expert on ageing, has produced research that suggests the 85-plus generation are much happier than perceived, Peter Hetherington, The Guardian, writes:

Professor Tom Kirkwood has demolished a string of misconceptions about the ageing process with a groundbreaking study into the health of more than 1,000 older people in the 85-plus generation. "It's a myth that they are bowls of misery, unhappy with their lot, and always going on about ailments," he insists. "Four out of five of them actually think they are doing pretty well."

His study, the largest of its kind ever undertaken, has proved revealing on several fronts. For a start, people in the 85-plus range are generally much happier, and more independent, than is generally realised. Remarkably, 80% of a group carefully selected by the Kirkwood team – a fair sample of the UK population of this age – need little care. Around the same number rate their quality of life either good or excellent.

On the downside, 20% need either regular daily help or critical 24-hour care. All of which might be almost manageable for the state, and for society, if this age range was static. But, as the amiable Kirkwood never tires of reminding questioners, the 85-plus group is now the fastest-growing segment of the population.

Read the complete article here.