Over 60s Better Prepared To Cope With Coronavirus Crisis

Over 60s feel more resilient and better prepared for the current Covid-19 crisis than millennials, according to a surprising new study.

A poll of 1,000 Brits between 60 and 90-years-old found that 74 percent of feel fully prepared for the coming months, despite many being in solitary self-isolation.

This is despite the elderly being most at risk of coronavirus. In fact, the fatality rate for people over 80 from Covid-19 is almost 15 percent, according to data from China.

Ian Atkinson, marketing director for SunLife insurers, who commissioned the survey, said: “While we’re all adapting to new ways of living, the approach many older people are taking – to keep calm, support each other and try not to worry about things we can’t control – is really valuable.

“Their advice to try and find the positives in any situation – such as the potential revival of traditional activities like baking, growing vegetables and knitting – is something that could help us all.”

One in nine of the over-60s surveyed believe the motivational slogan Keep Calm and Carry On, created to raise morale during World War II, has never been more relevant.

This comes as 69 percent believe younger people have not yet lived through hardship, which is why many are struggling to come to terms with the new realities of life. Interestingly, 53 percent said the fact youngsters had never seen or heard about rationing has meant they were unable to comprehend the idea of empty shelves at the supermarket. 

This could also be contributed to the fact that 56 percent blame social media for creating more panic than necessary.

The research revealed that 53 percent of Brits in the prime of life said those in their 30s and 40s were bound to worry more due to having to feed their families and the increasing insecurity in their jobs.

The data also found that instead of panicking, most elderly Brits have been using their time in self-isolation wisely. In fact, 70 percent of those quizzed said that they believe there will be a revival in traditional activities such as baking, growing vegetables and knitting.

• SunLife has created some garden makeover ideas for Brits of any age, which can be found here https://www.sunlife.co.uk/articles-guides/your-life/8-garden-makeover-ideas/.