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New research shows that quality of life continues to improve with age and even more if social engagement is strong.
The report on the Irish Longitudinal Study of Aging, which focuses on people over the age of 50, found that the quality of life increased to a maximum at age 70, and then began to decline gradually.
It appears that those with a high level of social integration have better physical and mental health.
Thirty-one percent of women reported having positive friendships, 16% of men.
More than half of seniors reported problematic housing conditions.
Research also found that nearly 60% of people over 50 did not get the minimum amount of physical activity required, which is 150 minutes of brisk walking a week.
The report used data collected from 2009 to 2016.
The principal investigator of the study, Professor Rose Anne Kenny of Trinity College, said that there were many factors to improve life after 50 years, such as imminent retirement, more time to interact with friends, the fact that children are older and mortgages are repaid. .
Speaking at RTÉ's Morning Ireland show, Professor Kenny added that social engagement is "extremely important" for a high quality of life.
Professor Kenny stated that the effect of good friendships and relationships diminished the effects of aging.
Volunteering, social engagement and interaction with other people can mitigate the effects, she said.
Professor Kenny said that at the societal level, we need to start thinking about how to engage more people and encourage them to engage before retirement.
Mandatory retirement, she said, was not good.
She warned that more than half of the Irish population over the age of 50 did not take the minimum amount of physical activity necessary for heart health.
Professor Kenny said that the study also revealed the existence of a "general need" for home care for the elderly.
Read more
Well-being and health among over 50s in Ireland – full report
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