BRITAIN.: Study Says Old Age Is No Handicap

LONDON (United Press Interntional), March 22, 2006: British researchers say the quality of life can actually improve in old age with social engagement such as volunteering. The findings, published online this month in the "Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health", looked at indicators of the quality of life. The researchers found that in England it is above average between the ages of 50 and 84, and in some cases had increased compared with earlier years. The research was done at Imperial College London, in cooperation with Sweden's Karolinska Instituet and the City University in London. "Although many worry that old age and retirement could be a time of hardship, this study shows that for many their quality of life actually improves as they get older. In particular, social engagement such as volunteering can significantly improve quality of life, even in very old age," said Dr. Gopal Netuveli, the lead researcher. The study said factors such as trusting relationships with friends and family, frequent contact with friends and living in a good, safe neighborhood were all found to increase the quality of life. © Copyright 2006 UPI, Inc. All Rights Reserved