University Studies on Seniors – A Unique Portrait of Aging
What if we truly listened to what older people have to say about their happiness and their way of aging? Too often, research about them lingers on medical or physical aspects, while ignoring the social and psychological dimensions that play an essential role in their quality of life. To move beyond these narrow perspectives, the Luc Maurice Foundation has chosen to support two major university studies on the subject – one Quebec-based, the other Canadian. Their distinctive feature? They are grounded in the voices of seniors themselves, in order to better understand the richness and diversity of their experiences… far from preconceived ideas.
University studies to advance society
This support for research is far from insignificant, as it is an integral part of the mission of the Luc Maurice Foundation – namely, to support organizations and causes that contribute to the well-being of older people in Quebec. By giving a voice to seniors, these studies aim to provide avenues for reflection and recommendations that could influence how society responds to their needs. An undertaking perfectly summed up by Valérie Paquette, Managing Director of the Foundation:
“At the Foundation, we felt there was a serious lack of data on the social and psychological realities of aging. These studies, which we partly funded, pose a very simple question – yet one that is rarely considered: what truly makes older people happy? What are the factors tied to their thriving? The results obtained, which challenge preconceived notions, will, we hope, equip decision-makers – governments, community organizations and businesses alike – to better respond to the real needs and aspirations of seniors.”
Study No. 1 – How Does the Living Environment Influence Seniors’ Happiness?
What makes older people happy from day to day? Is it their place of residence, the quality of their social relationships, or perhaps their sense of fulfillment?
To find the answer, Professor Mélanie Levasseur, OT, Ph.D., from the University of Sherbrooke, led a large-scale academic study in collaboration with several researchers specializing in aging. Nearly 1,000 independent Quebecers (both men and women) aged 75 and over were surveyed to understand what plays a major role in their way of aging and in their happiness.
The results are clear. Overall, people show a comparable level of happiness whether they live in rural or urban settings, in a conventional home or in a private residence. That said, what sustains their happiness differs depending on their living environment.
Thus, for older people living in residences, opportunities to socialize are an essential element of their happiness. As for those who live in a conventional home, they place greater importance on their integration into the community and on the absence of discrimination. These differences serve as a reminder that initiatives promoting better aging must be adapted to the context and living environment of each individual.
“While the level of happiness is similar for men and women, it is mainly influenced by thriving among older adults. Here, this feeling is defined as the perception of being heard and supported in carrying out one’s activities.” – Prof. Mélanie Levasseur, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke
This research, which will have a second phase of qualitative interviews, will allow for a better understanding of the nuances behind these findings and the formulation of recommendations to create living environments that are increasingly conducive to the well-being of seniors.
Discover the results of Professor Mélanie Levasseur’s study by clicking here.
Study No. 2 – Rethinking Aging By and For Seniors
How do older adults perceive their own aging, their role in society and the major issues of our time? To understand how they personally experience this stage of life, a pan-Canadian team led by Professor Martine Lagacé from the University of Ottawa, in collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke, Concordia University, the University of Moncton, and Statistics Canada, launched a series of large-scale national studies over a three-year period.
Here, the usual health indicators are not the primary focus. Instead, the emphasis is on the aspirations and perceptions of older adults regarding various topics and issues (e.g., social connections, life satisfaction, perceptions of ageism and end of-life, subjective age, etc.). The study also explores themes that are often overlooked but essential: romantic relationships, climate change and intergenerational connections.
The initial results are revealing. On average, older adults report feeling nearly 15 years younger than their actual age and mark the beginning of old age at a chronological age of 72 (in 1950, old age was considered to begin at 60!). However, seniors who feel targeted by ageist prejudices – or who internalize them – experience negative consequences, including weaker social networks and reduced life satisfaction.
“These data, collected from more than 3,000 seniors in Canada, once again demonstrate the pernicious effects of ageism and call for continued efforts to combat this form of stigma,” notes Professor Martine Lagacé of the University of Ottawa.
By giving seniors a voice to share what they experience, feel, and wish for, this study will ultimately provide a fresh perspective on aging and help better prepare for the future.
Knowledge for Better Decision-Making
One thing is certain: the results of these academic studies remind us that, to build a society where aging is a positive experience, we must rely on credible data rather than stereotypes. They also highlight the importance of giving older adults a voice in order to better understand what supports their thriving and well-being – both essential to a holistic view of health. The Luc Maurice Foundation believes, moreover, that more research on this subject is needed to better support current and future decision-makers.
“We must consider older adults as individuals with unique, diverse, evolving and above all, still relevant aging journeys. Far from common assumptions, those ‘65 and older’ form a mosaic of profiles and experiences, far from a homogeneous group. This is why studies of this kind need to be conducted periodically,” says Valérie Paquette, Managing Director of the Luc Maurice Foundation.
It is indeed crucial to better understand the needs, aspirations, and concerns of older adults in order to combat ageism and build a better society. According to the Foundation, the data obtained from these two academic studies could encourage decision-makers to consider solutions and develop projects. In their view, the possibilities are numerous:
- Develop training on ageism for elementary and high school students, older adults themselves, or professionals working with them;
- Increase opportunities for social participation based on the needs, interests, and abilities of older adults;
- Implement policies and practices to better support their fulfillment, going beyond just health care and service provision.
Following its research, the Luc Maurice Foundation is encouraged and will do everything possible to further these reflections so that they pave the way for actions that drive meaningful change.