Only 30% elderly enjoy old age

CHANDIGARH: It takes more than your genetics to have healthy aging. One���s physical, cognitive, personality and social-emotional domains are related to aging, a study has found.
Conducted by department of psychology of Panjab University, the study found that only 30% elderly people of tricity experience healthy aging. The study conducted by Meena Sehgal, professor of department of psychology, PU and Jitendra Mohan, professor emeritus, PU had a sample size of 200 elderly people, of which only 30% people enjoyed old age.
They scored high on four parameters including physical fitness, mental well-being, social networking and indulgence in spirituality. About 30% people, who were successfully leading their old age, had a larger canvass of life. Such people have positive attitude towards life and thus have less mental problems.
Besides, good social network, marital satisfaction, community work and spiritualism contributed to their successful aging, Meena said. The study which focussed on middle income group with a minimum educational qualification of graduation, revealed that 40% elderly people were living in distress and don���t experience healthy older adulthood, simply because of angry temperament and stressful lifestyle.
They failed to lead a successful old age life due to loneliness, no pre-planning for retirement, more physical problems and negativism. People under this category were also more irritable. The study said people of this category don���t believe in forgiving people and carry grudges in life.