In order to assess the changing nature of society, a special Irish Times/TNS mrbi opinion poll has been conducted into the attitudes, concerns, aspirations and lifestyles of its fastest growing demographic sector - the over 50s - and has come up with some surprising findings.
These will be published during the coming days. The work complements a survey of young people's attitudes taken two years ago.
Medical research would suggest that happiness has a direct bearing on the health of an individual and the greying generation stands to benefit significantly in that regard. Nine out of 10 of those surveyed described themselves as being happy with life. Seven out of 10 declared their health was good. Such a measure of contentment and good health did not, however, mean they were uncritical of the manner in which society and the economy has been developing. Over half were dissatisfied with social change and that pattern was most evident in Dublin and among the over-70s. Working class people and those from Munster felt most threatened by economic developments.
Change is always difficult to accommodate and older people tend to be most resistant to it. But the over-50s, who now make up one-quarter of the population and whose numbers are growing swiftly, are looking outwards to international developments as representing major concerns and threats. Two of their top six worries relate to the US-led war on terror and the dangers of international terrorism. Crime and personal security in their daily lives comes second, with the cost of living, the quality of our health services and immigration posing issues of lesser concern.
One of the most striking findings, involving the physical and psychological health of the over-50s, was that married couples invariably enjoy a better quality of life, in terms of mobility and the absence of feelings of anxiety or depression, compared to single and divorced, separated or widowed people. Those on higher incomes also benefited and were less concerned about State healthcare than vulnerable working class people.
Attitudes to religion will be explored in the coming days, along with changes in lifestyle and the flexibility of this age cohort to adapt to new technologies. The frequency with which members take foreign and domestic holidays; possess second homes; their choice of entertainment and the levels of trust they express in church and State institutions will all be examined. In addition, of course, respondents have been prompted to indicate their voting intentions for the coming general election.
As we becomes more prosperous and life expectancy increases, the over-50s are in a unique position to assess changing values in Irish society. To where do they turn in times of need? Is climate change only a youth issue? What do they think of divorce, abortion and gay rights? The over-50s will make up 40 per cent of our population in 30 years time. Their views should be heeded.