UK: Survey reveals Shifting Attitudes Towards Old Age

Today sees the launch of IndependentAge, the national charity that champions the cause of independence for older people.

IndependentAge is the new face of The Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association, which has been in existence for over 140 years. This name change is underpinned by the findings of a recent MORI survey, commissioned by IndependentAge which reveals that around the age of 65-70, there is a shift in perception as to what constitutes a ‘happy old age’; people become relatively less preoccupied with financial considerations (down from 74% to 47%) and more concerned with their ability to remain living independently (up from 18% to 38%).

The number of people in the UK aged over 65 continues to rise. By 2015 almost a quarter of the population will be over 60, an increase of 9% on current numbers, compared with only a 3% increase in the size of the population as a whole. Furthermore, with the incidence of divorce and separation increasing, many within this age group will be living alone.

The new name, IndependentAge, better communicates the charity’s work to those who could benefit from its support. The charity’s expertise and dedication in providing lifelong support for older people enables them to lead independent lives with dignity and peace of mind.

Explaining the change of name, Chief Executive Jonathan Powell said: “We wanted a name that readily associates us with independent living issues and distinguishes us as an authority on independence for older people. It is important to emphasise, however, that our ethos has not changed. Thousands of older people already benefit from the work we do and our volunteers and staff will continue to provide discreet, lifelong financial security, friendship and practical help.

The new name will help us to project ourselves more effectively, expand our welfare work and recruit more volunteers. With their talents and our resources we can make a real difference to the lives of many thousands of older people wishing to remain independent in their own homes.

“We also want to reach out to other like-minded charities. We already collaborate with a number of other organisations and I would like to see IndependentAge as an umbrella enabling charities to work together in common cause to promote independent living.

There are more than 160,000 charities in England and Wales alone and it is important for public confidence that, wherever possible, we should pool our resources and share administration costs so that the maximum amount of money donated goes to those whom it is intended to help.”