
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 7, 1990                   TAG: 9007070200
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Cox News Service
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

MOST ELDERLY ARE HAPPY AND CONTENT, POLL SAYS

Most older Americans are happy about themselves and optimistic about their futures, according to a recently released poll.

The results of a national survey conducted from May 11 to June 11 by ICR Survey Research Group, for the Marriott Corporation, cast doubt upon stereotypes of the elderly as generally lonely, poor and pessimistic about life.

Of the 1,004 people 65 or older interviewed by telephone, 96.3 percent said that they were "basically happy," and more than half said they are "excited about the future." Three out of four said they feel financially secure although more than half wished they had "saved more money."

On average, the older Americans claimed to feel at least 12 years younger than their chronological age. The respondents averaged 72 years of age. On balance, when asked how long they "realistically" expected to live, the answer was 86 years.

Although nearly half said they believe older Americans are treated poorly, 83.6 percent of the seniors said they considered themselves to be useful members of society.

If given the chance to do it all over again, most elderly would have made some changes in their lives. Three out four would have sought more education. Nearly 54 percent of those interviewed had not completed high school.

When asked about their fears, one-third said they didn't fear anything. But, among their major concerns, the fear of failing health was far and away the greatest - mentioned by 23.2 percent - followed by fear of losing independence, 14.6 percent, and of becoming institutionalized, 7.3 percent.

Many described retirement communities as "safe and comfortable," and 67 percent said they believed that the environment in such places is "pleasant and active." More than half said such homes were "a good value" in society.

Hobbies ranked number one among the elderly for leisure time activities, but men and women showed distinct differences in other ways they spend their time. Men were nearly three times more involved with sports and recreation while women were nearly three times more apt to read for pleasure. Watching television ranked fourth among all elderly for leisure activity.

by CNB