In New Zealand and countries around the world populations are getting older, however this study shows that 54% of New Zealanders say they are not looking forward to their old age.

Ipsos New Zealand, has released their New Zealand edition of the findings of a 32-country survey on perceptions of ageing and how people around the world feel about old age.

Key findings from the Attitudes to Aging Study include:

• The older New Zealanders are, the older they think people can be considered to be “old”. On average New Zealanders consider “old age” to begin at 66 years, however Gen Z consider the age of 61 “old” compared to Baby Boomers who think “old age” starts at 72.
• Most New Zealanders think they will live to the age of 81, whereas Gen X believe they will live until the age of 83 and Baby Boomers until the age of 85. Perceptions of life expectancy are slightly higher for those on higher incomes and education levels. European countries tend to believe “old age” starts in your 70’s.
• Based on average expectations, most New Zealanders believe they will experience 15 years of “old age” which is longer than the global average of 12 years. This rises to 17 years of old age among Filipinos and Indonesians. Meanwhile in Hungary, old age begins at 65 – yet people only expect to live until 64.
• Most people are not looking forward to their old age. More than half, 54% of New Zealanders say they are not looking forward to their “old age” which is lower than the average across 32 countries, where 57% say they are not looking forward to their old age (vs. 38% who say they are).
• Enthusiasm rises with income, education level, and age (to a certain extent). Unlike the global average, New Zealanders’ enthusiasm for ‘getting old’ seems to rise alongside their age, with Gen X the most enthusiastic (44%); however, Baby Boomers (25%) are the least enthusiastic. Positivity is also highest for New Zealanders on high incomes (44%) and higher education (39%).
• The Prime of Life? 28-35 are seen as milestone years. For a majority of countries, the ideal moment to reach key milestones like getting married, buying a first house, and having a baby are between 28 and 35 years old. New Zealanders generally think that the ideal age to do these things is a year younger than the 32-country average.
• New Zealanders are more comfortable with younger leaders. New Zealander’s believe that the leader of a country should be at least 39 years old, younger than the global average of 42 years, and they are less likely (27% vs. 29%) to agree ‘no age is too old’ for the leaders of a country. In that regard New Zealander’s believe a country leader is getting ‘too old’ at the age of 64, older than the global average of 61 years.

Carin Hercock, Country Manager, Ipsos New Zealand, said: “New Zealanders have a comparatively accurate understanding of life expectancy which bodes well for retirement savings, however positivity around ‘old age’ seems to be more likely for those on high incomes indicating a comfortable retirement may be perceived as less comfortable for some.”

Amanda Dudding, Executive Director Public Affairs, Ipsos New Zealand, added: “Globally most people don’t consider themselves to be ‘old’ until they are in their 70’s and in New Zealand, we tend to think the ideal age for major events is younger. We are also much more likely to believe you are never too old to learn, find love or buy a house.”

ABOUT IPSOS:

Ipsos is one of the largest research and polling companies globally, operating 
in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people.

Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.

“Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices, and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

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