NEW YORK — Old age is a treasure chest filled with wisdom, waiting to be shared with those willing to listen. As older generations take to sharing their lives online, a quarter (25%) of seniors believe their life advice can go viral on social media, with a whopping 63 percent using these platforms daily. According to a survey of 2,000 Americans 65 and older, 41 percent also think their insights are worthy of a book deal.
Their pearls of wisdom may come from their youth. Some top tips from their younger years include, “be a good person even when it’s difficult,” “don’t spend money beyond your means,” “learn from the mistakes of others,” and “stay true to yourself.”
Most seniors (73%) also believe it’s never too late in life to find your true love, with 26 percent admitting to having tried a dating app.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Comfort Keepers for the National Day of Joy, the survey also found the top three things that make seniors happy are family (71%), friends (49%), and good weather (26%). The average age that brought them the most joy in their life turns out to be 57.
To reconnect to their younger years, seniors spend time exercising (45%), listening to music from their youth (44%), and simply smiling (42%).
Two-thirds (66%) of older Americans would even be open to wearing fashion trends of yesteryear, such as bell bottoms (27%). One in five (21%) would most love to wear the style of the 1970s, which more than a quarter (26%) also cited as the best decade for entertainment.
Additionally, seniors are still grooving to their favorite rock artists, with The Beatles (47%), The Beach Boys (45%), and The Rolling Stones (38%) as their top picks.
Another thing seniors want to see re-popularized? Food trends from their youth, with 40 percent yearning for carrot cake to go viral. However, older respondents are also keeping up with the times by watching current TV shows or series (69%), trying new activities (27%), listening to new music (26%), and following food trends (26%).
“Many things can change as we get older, but finding joy in both familiar and new activities in life remains a wonderful constant,” says spokesperson for Comfort Keepers, Sherri Snelling, in a statement. “We can all take a page from the older generation by reflecting on what already brings us joy while remaining open to trying something new.”
The past decade has been an opportunity for seniors to learn new things, from “how to access webinars and Zoom sessions” and “crocheting” to “pickleball,” “tap dancing,” and “caring for rescue/rehomed parrots.”
However, 86 percent would go back in time if they could. Most would do so to make better decisions (57%), spend more time with loved ones (46%), and relive all their happiest moments (31%).
“When we focus on activities that bring energy, effort and enjoyment, it has both immediate and future rewards to improve our well-being. Bringing joy into your life is one of the best things you can do to live happier, healthier and longer,” adds Snelling.
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans ages 65 and older was commissioned by Comfort Keepers between May 8 and May 11, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
