Don’t Worry, Seniors Are Happy; Companionship is Important!
Q. The other day my granddaughter accused me of being a grumpy old man. I don’t feel crabby, though. In fact, I am happier than I’ve ever been and I have a lot of energy, too. Am I crazy? In fact, I could use more to do in my life.
You are in happy company! New research by Harris Interactive shows 82 percent of Americans over the age of 50 are actually happier than when they were younger. The polling for OurTime.com, an online dating community targeting people over 50, also shows 72 percent are also now more optimistic about their future happiness.
What’s more, 85 percent of those surveyed consider companionship more important than it was when they were younger. This poll contacted 1,064 U.S. adults nationwide who were 50 or older.
“The main reason people 50-plus are happier now is that they are more confident in themselves and about what they want from life,” said Dr. Gail Saltz, OurTime.com’s Relationship Expert. “Priorities shift in this stage of life and relationships become more and more important to one’s happiness.”
The survey of those 50 and older also found that, compared with when they were younger, these adults have changed their views in the following ways:
- 85 percent agree that companionship is more important now
- 79 percent are more confident in what they want out of life
- 87 percent are more confident in their intelligence
- 82 percent are more confident when meeting new people
- 91 percent are more confident as a judge of character
The 78 million Baby Boomers now represent 28 percent of the U.S. population. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, almost 30 percent of Boomers are single.
The Home Instead Senior Care® network is no dating service, but the organization does understand the need and value of companionship. The local office of Home Instead Senior Care specializes in helping provide companionship and non-medical services to seniors.
Senior men make excellent caregiving companions to other older men who need assistance around the house or someone to take them to the grocery store, the doctor’s office or a concert. You could help spread your happiness and good cheer throughout the community as part of a paid, flexible job. Call today to learn more.
For more information or to get answers to your questions, please contact your Home Instead Senior Care office in The Greater Phoenix, AZ area. We can be reached via email at education@homeinstead.com.