Adored elderly ‘sell themselves short’
Belfast is great... but my fans get a bit ‘hands on’
OLDER people are held in much greater esteem than they realise, according to a survey.
Two-thirds of young adults – aged 18 to 39 – say they are more inspired by older people than by celebrities.
They say they have a real interest in getting to know them and regard them as interesting, wise and experienced.
Researchers also found stereotypes are rarely used about older people, who earn the respect of 88 per cent of those polled. Older people are also considered to be knowledgeable, caring and relaxed.
However, 20 per cent of over-65s “sell themselves short”, believing the younger generation would not be interested in chatting to them.
One in 10 believe they are viewed as slow and 14 per cent think they are considered to be “out of touch”.
But one in five younger people believe their elders are inspiring, and half consider them to be knowledgeable. And 57 per cent of those aged under 40 say they would like to spend more time getting to know older people in their community.
Meanwhile, half revealed they take the time to say hello to elderly people if they see them in the street, whether they know them or not.
Dr Miriam Stoppard, health and wellbeing adviser at stairlift firm Stannah, which conducted the survey, said: “I found the results of this survey refreshing, particularly the views and attitudes of the younger generation about the old.
“Many painted a picture of the older generation which is not at all stereotypical. It seems, however, the older generation sell themselves short.
“They are concerned they’re seen as boring, past it and not worth starting a conversation with.”
Company spokesman Patrick Stannah said: “We are delighted to see that so many young people recognise and value our older generations.” ACTOR Jamie Dornan says he gets the most attention from fans in his home town of Belfast, revealing they get a bit “hands on” after a few drinks. The 36-year-old said some had “lovingly” attacked him when he returned to the city to film the BBC Two series Death And Nightingales. He said: “There are a few places I would avoid now, because people with a few drinks in them can be a bit hands on. You’re in a headlock before you know it. It’s the most loving one you can imagine, but sometimes you’re not up for that when all you want is a quiet drink with your mates.” Dornan, who starred in the Fifty Shades franchise as Christian Grey, stars with Ann Skelly in the drama which starts at 9pm on November 28.