Climbing stairs and opening jars, trickier chores as we get old
PICKING things up off the floor, opening jars and negotiating the stairs are the everyday tasks most likely to get harder as we get older, a poll revealed.
Managing money, adjusting to new technology and getting about on foot also get trickier, according to a survey of 1,500 Britons aged 60 and over.
Household chores, putting on shoes and getting out of the bath are other activities that become more difficult.
Seven in 10 older adults admitted they took these simple tasks for granted when they were younger, while half felt frustrated when they were unable to manage them.
Things that older folk feel the younger generation take for granted are their health and being able to easily carry out their job or everyday routine.
But while 77 per cent said they appreciated help as they got older, many do not feel able to ask for assistance.
Only four per cent of over-60s regularly seek help, while 60 per cent said they never ask for assistance, the poll for Bupa found.
As well as struggling with everyday activities, 28 per cent of older people said feelings of loneliness have also increased as they have become older.
Four in 10 said they felt lonely all or some of the time as staying in touch with and visiting friends relatives was a bigger challenge.
One in five said socialising with younger people made them feel younger too – although one in 10 claimed it made them feel older.
Bupa Care Services is opening its doors to the public to mark Silver Sunday this weekend.
Joan Elliott, of Bupa Care Homes, said: “It is an inevitable fact that some things will get harder as we get older, but this needn't get in the way of enjoying an active social life.
“This Sunday Bupa care homes across the country will be opening their doors, hosting a string of events to encourage local residents to join in and socialise.
“Isolation can be a real issue for older people, which is why we're taking these steps to combat it.”
Silver Sunday is an annual day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK. Led by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation, it celebrates the value and knowledge that elderly people contribute to our communities while combating loneliness and isolation. For events in your area visit https://silversunday.org.uk/ and