Young not old believe they are the burden generation

Young not old believe they are the burden generation

According to the latest research (1) published today by Age Concern Personal Alarm Service, young adults in the UK ask for help the most but feel more negatively about doing so than any other generation.

Nearly three out of five (58%) of 18 to 24s admit to negative feelings (i.e. needy, inadequate, embarrassed, stressed or vulnerable) when asking for help, with over a fifth (22%) going as far to say they haven't asked for help because they feel like a burden on others. Nearly one in ten (7%) even admit to feeling ‘useless' at having to ask someone else for help.

In contrast, research suggests with age comes experience as over 55s are less reticent about asking for help. They are three times more likely to feel confident when asking for help than 18 to 24 year olds (15% compared to 5%). Two in five (40%) over 55s feel ‘confident', ‘empowered', ‘happy' or ‘relieved' when asking for help and are almost half as likely to be embarrassed when they reach out for a helping hand (11% compared to 18%).

While the younger generation are most uncomfortable at having to ask for help, they ask for help more than any other age group. Two in five (40%) of all British adults, and three in five (56%) of over 55s, ask for help less often than once a month. However, 70% of 18-24 year olds ask for help more than once a month with a quarter (22%) asking a few times per week.

Chris Last of Age Concern Personal Alarm Services said: 'It is interesting that those embarking on adult life ask for help most often, yet feel negative about doing so. For some, with age comes experience and the confidence to get much needed support. Those who still feel uncomfortable when asking for support should be reassured that as our research proves, no matter how old you are, we all rely on a little help from our friends. We need to do more to support people in overcoming their barriers so they are able to get the support they need.'

For those who feel they need additional help to live independently, Age Concern's Personal Alarm Service provides support at the touch of a button by connecting a customer with a dedicated Response Centre, staffed round the clock. The service is used by over 40,000 people across the UK and helps make them feel reassured about their safety and security at home. Most importantly, it gives family and friends peace of mind about their loved ones living at home. To find out more about Age Concern Personal Alarm Service, please call 0800 77 22 66 or visit the website.  

For further information please contact Jo Roberts or Imogen Dunn at Teamspirit Public Relations on 0207 360 7877 or email us.

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References 

1. Research conducted by YouGov Plc 2nd - 5th July 2010 amongst a sample of 2,060 adults. The survey was carried out online with figures weighted to be representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Notes to editors

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. Age UK is inspired by the belief that it can improve the lives of people in later life. It celebrates ageing and believes it presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges at home and abroad. Age UK will challenge ageist prejudice in society, provide services that address market failures and support the public and private sectors to design age-friendly products and services. It will support people to remain in their own homes through campaigning and practical services and its Information and Advice service will offer millions of people support on a range of issues from claiming benefits to staying fit and healthy. Age UK will fund biomedical research that helps tackle the ill health and poor quality of life that are too common as people age. Working with over 350 partners across the country, Age UK helps influence local decisions and deliver the most appropriate services. Its network of over 500 shops will act as a focal point for the local community, providing information and help with local services. Age UK works across the globe as well as in the UK, with its international partner, Help Age International, championing older people's rights and needs and as an active member of the DEC.

Personal Alarms

Age UK's personal alarm system summons help, at the touch of a button. Over 40,000 people throughout the UK rely on the emergency alarm service. Users are not exclusively older people; some have a physical disability, or a chronic condition such as epilepsy or diabetes, some are recovering from illness, while others are more concerned for their security than their health.