Ireland’s over-50s disprove sad and lonely stereotype

STEREOTYPES of older people as sad, lonely and a burden on society are proven outdated by a study that shows Ireland’s over-50s are happier, better integrated and more financially independent than usually thought.

People aged over 50 scored an average 75% of the highest score in the happiness ratings, while just one-in-17 suffer social isolation.

They are also more likely to have given large financial or other gifts to their children in the past 10 years than to have received them from their offspring. Giving €20,000 was most common, compared to €1,000 their children gifted them.