Greece and China are often referenced as nations that celebrate ageing and respect elders. But a new survey by Hidden Hearing, marking Positive Ageing Week next week, (27 September - 1 October ) shows that eight in 10 adults in Ireland (79% ) believe they learn lots from older generations.
78% believe the best advice comes from those with lots of life experience and 77% say people get wiser with age. Those under 35 are slightly more sceptical, with one in three of the younger cohort (32% ) claiming older people are ‘out of touch’ so can’t give good advice.
Advice on family matters is most sought from older people, by over eight in 10 (84% ), while personal relationships (62% ) and happiness and personal fulfilment (73% ) are viewed as areas in which older people are well placed to offer advice.
The statement that a listening ear is the best solution to problems was supported by 78%, and 65% believe older people tend to be better listeners.
Parents are cited as the main source of good advice, while 6 in 10 would trust an older friend or family member most.
Rainy Day Advice
On the subject of the piece of advice that had a big impact, advice around finances was cited numerous times. Financial wisdom included saving for a rainy day, to budget carefully, and to remember that money isn’t everything.
Seven in 10 adults claim that ‘Your health is your wealth’ had the biggest impact on them.
To be yourself and believe in yourself, to live in the moment and always trust your gut, to work hard, but remember it’s all about balance, and to prioritise your health and happiness tops the sage advice most frequently given.
Impactful advice came in the main from parents, four in 10 nationally said (39% ), rising to one in two (47% ) amongst those under 35 relying on parental advice.
76% of people in Ireland believe that if they could speak with their younger self, they would have good advice to offer.
‘Be true to yourself and do what you want, not what you think others want’, was the top sentiment respondents would have had their younger selves believe.
Not to worry about what other people think of you, and not fretting the small stuff, were close runners-up. Working harder in school and staying in education was around the mid-point of people’s wishes for younger versions of themselves.
Harry Lee, from Blackrock, County Louth, who currently fronts Hidden Hearing’s TV campaign added some word of wisdom he would have had for his younger self.
“Enjoy the young carefree days of your life, as they disappear in the blink of an eye” was the sound advice from the radio presenter and DJ.
The fact that older people have so much to offer is celebrated in Positive Ageing Week, and the Hidden Hearing survey was designed to acknowledge that, Dolores Madden, Audiologist and Marketing Director at Hidden Hearing, says.
“Conversation, engaging with people, listening and learning are all core life experiences that rely on the ability to hear clearly. We lose out on a lot, if we don’t make a point of looking after our hearing”, the audiologist believes.
Pandemic Hearing Loss
Last week’s survey also revealed that 12% noticed their hearing had worsened over the past 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
For many people, the introduction of mask-wearing showed the extent to which their hearing had deteriorated. Often, without knowing, they were relying on lip-reading to help with poor hearing and missing out on everyday sounds.
Dolores Madden explains; “The pandemic taught us the value of staying in touch, and the pleasure of engaging with others. Hearing loss is isolating, and it can be frightening to literally not be part of the conversation, or to enjoy the sounds of everyday life.”
To encourage those experiencing hearing loss to get treatment, Hidden Hearing clinics countrywide will have a 15% discount on hearing aids for those booking appointments during Positive Ageing Week.
Questioned on the sounds people would miss, if they lost their hearing, the voices of friends and family was top for over 6 in 10 adults (64% ). 58% would miss music, while children’s voices and laughter, and conversations with a spouse or partner, were both close third options.
