Oldsters double their enjoyment over youngsters

William Atkins
Tuesday, 17 June 2008 22:35

Science - Health

A new Queensland/New South Wales study shows older people enjoy themselves just as much as younger people but with only half the effort.

Australian social psychologist William “Bill” von Hippel, a professor from the University of Queensland, and senior lecturer Julie D. Henry, along with student Diana Matovic, both from the University of New South Wales, surveyed two groups of people in their research study.

One group of subjects—the older folks—was between the ages of 86 and 91 years of age. The second group—the youngsters—was between 18 and 30 years.

The study found members of the younger group were more active socially—having twice as many social gatherings than the older group.

The older group, on the other hand, spent twice as much time home alone.

However, each group, on average, stated it was satisfied with its social life—both were equally happy with their lives.

With seniors spending half as much time socializing, the researchers concluded the oldsters must enjoy themselves twice as much when compared to the youngsters.

Von Hippel suggests that if a younger person and an older person have the same experience, the older person is likely to find it more positive and more rewarding.

The study, which will be published in the journal Psychology and Aging, is titled “Aging and social satisfaction: Offsetting positive and negative effects.”

What did the researchers specifically note concerning the comments made by the young people and the old people? Please read on.