The old adage ‘Older and Wiser’ rings true!
With Seniors Week just around the corner (14-22 March 2015), seniors everywhere can rejoice, as new research commissioned by Australian Hearing confirms what they have known all along – that they are considered wiser than younger people and offer sound advice to future generations.
According to the new research, nine out of ten Australians (91%) believe that seniors are a trusted source of wisdom and will often turn to them for advice.
While the research shows that seniors are not the top of the list when it comes to giving the best travel (16%) or beauty and fashion (3%) tips, we do turn to older people for advice on the philosophies of living life (61%), how to treat others (59%) and family relationship matters (59%). Australia’s favourite ‘pearls of wisdom’ from seniors include ‘If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’ (59%), Good manners don’t cost a thing (59%), and ‘Do unto others as you would like them to do to you’ (57%).
But what if you can’t always hear what’s being said, to be able to offer these gems of insight? Australian Hearing sought to find out if a senior’s inability to hear, could impact on their ability to share their wisdom with younger generations.
There are more than 2 million Australians over 60 experiencing hearing difficulties.1 Interestingly, one third of Australians (35 per cent) surveyed admitted to having received strange advice from an older person which they put down to the giver’s inability to hear properly.
Emma Scanlan, Principal Audiologist at Australian Hearing, said hearing health for those over 60 is important to ensure the community at large benefits from their combined wisdom.
“Communication between different generations can become frustrating and break down quickly if the older person can’t hear clearly. If you struggle to hear what is being said, it is difficult to offer sound counsel to your loved ones,” said Scanlan.
There were also differences between the genders and the age demographics, as people in the 45-54 age group see seniors as trusted advisors more than those in the much younger 12-22 age group (78 per cent vs 61 per cent). What’s more, more women than men seek the advice of seniors (73 per cent vs 65 per cent).
Scanlan suggests the timely reminder of Seniors Week, celebrated in NSW and ACT from 14-22 March, can help to prioritise hearing health checks.
“We urge everyone over 60 to get their hearing checked, so they will never miss the moments to share, guide and inspire younger people,” she said.
Australian Hearing offers FREE hearing checks for eligible people at its locations across the country. For more information on your nearest Australian Hearing Centre, or to find out if you are eligible for Australian Hearing services, call 131 797, or visit www.hearing.com.au.