Ageing is a universal experience, but how individuals perceive and manage this stage of life varies significantly depending on cultural, social, and personal factors. In spring 2024 European project Ageing Well conducted focus groups in six countries with elderly people over 65 years old. Reports from Greece, Cyprus, Switzerland, France, Spain, and the Czech Republic provide a window into the diverse ways seniors across Europe approach ageing well. This analysis will explore the common themes and unique perspectives that emerged from these discussions.
Common Themes Across the Groups
1. Positive Attitude Towards Ageing
Across all focus groups, there was a general consensus that maintaining a positive outlook is crucial to ageing well. Participants in Greece, Spain, and Cyprus emphasized the importance of optimism and seeing life through a positive lens. They acknowledged the challenges of ageing but preferred to focus on the benefits, such as increased wisdom and the ability to enjoy life more reflectively.
2. Importance of Physical and Mental Activity
Physical and mental activities were frequently mentioned as key components of ageing well. In Switzerland, participants stressed the necessity of staying active both physically and mentally, particularly as mobility becomes more challenging with age. Similarly, seniors in Spain and the Czech Republic highlighted their involvement in sports, continuing education, and social activities as vital to their well-being.
3. Value of Social Connections
Social relationships were universally recognized as vital. Whether it was maintaining close ties with family, engaging with friends, or participating in community activities, the participants across all focus groups valued their social connections highly. For instance, Greek participants underscored the importance of empathy and solidarity, particularly in maintaining close relationships.
4. Mixed Feelings About Technology
Technology's role in the lives of seniors was a topic of mixed opinions. While many participants appreciated the conveniences it offers, such as staying connected with loved ones and managing daily tasks, there were also concerns about privacy and the complexity of new technologies. This sentiment was particularly noted in the reports from France and Spain, where seniors expressed both reliance on and discomfort with technology.
5. Challenges of Physical and Mental Decline
The fear of losing independence due to physical or mental decline was a recurring concern. Participants in France and Switzerland particularly noted the anxiety associated with potential cognitive decline and the need for support as they age.
Unique Perspectives by Country
1. Greece
Greek seniors placed a strong emphasis on the role of past experiences and the relationships they have built over their lifetimes. They believed that the quality of their current life is significantly influenced by these factors. Additionally, there was a notable concern about the lack of institutional support for the elderly, which they felt placed a greater burden on them to remain self-sufficient.
2. Cyprus
In Cyprus, the concept of ageing well was closely tied to living a life of harmony and being useful to society. Participants highlighted the joy of having time to engage in activities they enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones and participating in community events. They also stressed the importance of having patience, courage, and a positive mindset to navigate the challenges of ageing.
3. Switzerland
Swiss seniors focused heavily on the necessity of planning and staying motivated to engage in activities despite physical limitations. They also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had exacerbated feelings of isolation and highlighted the need for a structured daily routine to maintain mental health.
4. Czech Republic
Participants of the focus group in the Czech Republic reported a strong sense of satisfaction with their lives, despite some health issues. They emphasized the importance of staying physically active, maintaining positive relationships, and continuing to work, even in a part-time capacity, as ways to age well.
5. France
In France, there was a significant focus on the challenges of living in an urban environment, particularly for those with mobility issues. The seniors discussed the difficulties of navigating a city like Paris, which they felt was not always accommodating to their needs. Despite these challenges, they appreciated the freedom retirement offers to pursue new interests and maintain an active lifestyle.
6. Spain
Spanish participants expressed a deep appreciation for the wisdom and perspective that comes with age. They valued the ability to make informed decisions and enjoy life more fully. However, they also acknowledged the challenges of physical decline and the loss of loved ones, which they countered by staying socially and physically active.
Conclusion
The focus group reports reveal that while the experience of ageing varies across Europe, there are several common threads that unite these experiences. A positive attitude, the importance of staying active, and the value of social connections are universally acknowledged as critical to ageing well. However, the challenges posed by physical and mental decline, coupled with mixed feelings about technology, present ongoing concerns. By understanding these shared experiences and unique perspectives, we can better support seniors in leading fulfilling lives as they age.
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Author of the article: Jana Kyriakou, SEMwell Czech Republic
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