Age-old mystery

The psychology of ageing may be under-studied, but researchers here are looking at the positives.

- BY MARC WILSON

Ever heard of the University of the Third Age (U3A)? It's a network of groups of people around the country (and the world) that provide opportunities for individuals in the “third stage of their life journey” (aged 60-plus) to be mentally and socially active.

I have enjoyed several opportunities to talk to local U3A chapters about what I do, and have been amazed by the engagement. And hard questions.

I know many of them also read the Listener and I owe a debt of gratitude to these folk, because many have helped me out in my research. A long time ago, when I was analysing pen-and-paper surveys for my PhD research, I was initially surprised at the great response rate I was getting from the Kāpiti electorate, an area with a high proportion of retirees then and now.

The proportion of New Zealanders aged over 65 has increased by more than 2% in the past decade, to 17%. In 10 years' time, it's projected one in four of us will be aged over 65, thanks to a combination of shrinking birth rates and improved life expectancy.