SINGAPORE, Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study reveals that 70 per cent of Singaporeans over the age of 50 feel five years younger than their actual age.
The Inner Age Index[1], commissioned by leading healthcare company GSK, provides new insight on Singaporean attitudes towards growing older as the nation faces a shrinking and ageing population. The study explores the concept of "inner age" -- how old someone perceive themselves to be as compared to how old they actually are -- and how ageing is perceived through a Singaporean lens.
The results of the study show that ageing is more about attitude than the physical passing of time. The results reveal that nine in 10 Singaporeans aged over 50 believe that a positive attitude is the key to feeling younger, while laughing is the best anti-ageing medicine. Those with a younger inner age were also more likely to report they're living life to the full (85 per cent), and feel more fulfilled now than ever before (72 per cent).
In addition, many Singaporeans over the age of 50 years report feeling good about their appearance with 81 per cent stating that they like to look their best and 74 per cent feeling proud to reveal their real age.
Mr Gijs Sanders, General Manager of GSK's Consumer Healthcare business in Singapore, says that these findings challenge traditional perceptions of ageing.
"People over the age of 50 now make up almost a quarter of the population in Singapore. While there is currently much discussion around the health and societal implications of an ageing population, our study shows that the vast majority of Singaporeans over the age of 50 feel youthful, vibrant and are not defined by age."
"GSK conducted the Inner Age Index because we believe the current national conversation about ageing can be really positive as people take the opportunity to pursue long-held passions and lead a fulfilled lifestyle. By encouraging this conversation we hope to encourage Singaporeans over the age of 50 to do more, feel better and live longer."
The Inner Age Index found that the majority (75 per cent) of older Singaporeans like to stay socially active and many (64 per cent) believe that being over 50 means they have finally found the time to realise passions, such as socialising with friends, travelling, playing sports and exercising. When asked if they could go back in time, nearly two in five survey participants said they wouldn't change a thing.
There was also a strong relationship between Singaporeans with a younger inner age and a positive perception of health, and more than half (57 per cent) of respondents stated they are proactive when it comes to taking care of their own health.
Find out your inner age using The Inner Age Test -- an adapted consumer version of the Inner Age Index. To take the test, visit actyourinnerage.com.sg
[1] The Inner Age Index. A face-to-face survey of 150 Singaporeans conducted by Edelman Berland, commissioned by GSK. July 2014.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
| Jolene Ng Edelman Tel: +65-6347-2314 |
Melissa-Anne Bheem Edelman Melissa-Anne.Bheem@edelman.com Tel: +65-6347-2341 |
About the Inner Age Index
The Inner Age Index, commissioned by GSK and conducted by global market research and strategic consulting firm Edelman Berland, is a survey of Singaporeans aged over 50 on their perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards ageing. The survey was conducted with 150 Singaporean citizens aged 50 and above from across the island.
The inner age of a person, in contrast to the real or chronological age of a person, is a subjective representation of how old a person acts or feels. This means that "inner age" is not a scientifically defined term. It is not representative or indicative of the participant's physical ability or well being or be relied upon as a representation of such.
GSK has developed the Inner Age Index to create awareness and facilitate a dialogue concerning the challenges and solutions for an increasingly ageing population.
About GSK
GSK, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.
About RSVP Singapore
RSVP's mission is to provide opportunities for people over 50 to serve the community with their talent and experience through purpose-driven volunteerism. Whether it's playing a musical instrument, taking up photography or learning the latest in ICT, RSVP volunteers pursue their passions by sharing and giving back to the community. They not only lead active and fulfilled lives but also give joy to others in society who are less fortunate than themselves. They believe that volunteerism while pursuing your interests and abilities can come together for a positive ageing experience.
