The WHO relies on the results of the World values survey, a survey of more than 83,000 volunteers from 57 countries. The aim of the study: to assess attitudes towards the elderly in all age groups. 60% of participants mention a lack of respect for the elderly. However, most of these people are unaware of the stereotypes they unconsciously hold about seniors.
7.5 years less life for depressed seniors
According to the report, older people think they are a burden and increase their risk of depression and D’isolation. Another lesson from this research: elderly people who have a negative view of their aging recover less well from a disability. Also, they would live 7.5 years less than seniors who live in a positive environment. It is in the highest income countries that the lowest levels of respect are reported.
2 billion seniors in 2050
According to John Beard, Director of Aging and Life Courses at the WHO, we should stop defining people by their age. This would make our societies more healthy, more prosperous and fairer. Social norms will have to evolve since by 2025, the number of people over 60 will have doubled. In 2050, seniors will represent 2 billion people in the world.
Read also :
Elderly people: beware of malnutrition
