Survey Shows Older Americans More Worried About Personal Well-Being than Global Issues and Threats

WASHINGTON, July 24,  2003 -- A new survey by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) shows that more older Americans are likely to be worried about threats to their own personal well-being than global threats.

The survey, funded by MetLife Foundation and part of part of a new NCOA/MetLife Foundation project to increase civic engagement by older Americans, showed that some 40 percent of those over age 60 are worried (very or somewhat) about physically caring for themselves (44 percent) or losing their memories (42 percent) than terrorist attacks (35 percent).

The survey also revealed that older Americans are worried that their children, grandchildren or youth in general will be exposed to drugs (63 percent) or face a lack of employment opportunities (54 percent). In other words, more are worried about threats to their families than problems they may face.

In addition, older Americans in the survey said that "having something meaningful to do" (27 percent) or "having some good friends" (26 percent) were activities that would have the most favorable impacts on their future quality of life. In terms of what are the most important things to do within a year of retirement, their top choices included participating in a meaningful volunteer experience (27 percent) and visiting family and friends (22 percent). Very few selected "take it easy and relax most days." When asked about what is important after five years of retirement, volunteering and visiting family friends are still the top choices.

"The survey results are important because they validate the need for efforts to facilitate civic engagement of older Americans," said NCOA President and CEO James P. Firman.

"These findings clearly illustrate the concerns of today's older Americans." said Sibyl Jacobson, President & CEO, MetLife Foundation. "The survey is part of a larger initiative designed to meet the needs and interests of older adults."

The survey was conducted by telephone June 12-16, 2003 by Harris Interactive with a random sample of 513 men and women 60 years and older living in the continental United States. The reliability of the results is 4 percentage points using a 95 percent confidence level.

The goal of the NCOA project is to identify and foster innovations in civic engagement that use the knowledge and skills of older adults to address critical community needs and that have the potential to be replicated in hundreds of communities throughout the United States.

Founded in 1950, The National Council on the Aging is the nation's first charitable organization dedicated to promoting the dignity, independence, well-being, and contributions of older Americans. NCOA serves as a national voice and powerful advocate on behalf of older Americans. NCOA is an innovator, developing programs such as BenefitsCheckUp(r), Foster Grandparents and Family Friends. NCOA is an activator, working with its thousands of community organization members nationwide to provide needed services to older people. 

MetLife Foundation, established in 1976 by MetLife, has been involved in a variety of aging-related initiatives. Since 1986, the Foundation has supported research on Alzheimer's disease through the MetLife Foundation Awards for Medical Research program and has contributed over $8.5 million to efforts to find a cure. In addition, the Foundation has provided support for a variety of healthy aging projects addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, health and wellness programs, and volunteer opportunities.