Optimism, defined as the expectation that good things will happen and challenges can be overcome, shines through the lives of older Western Australians. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Juniper, a non-profit aged care provider in Western Australia, commissioned CoreData WA to explore the factors contributing to happiness among this demographic. The resulting research, titled The Voice of Older Western Australians, unveils a cohort deeply connected to their families, communities, and personal well-being, characterised by resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.
"The Voice of Older Western Australians reveals an optimistic cohort concerned about the welfare of others, engaged with family, friends and community, who want to explore the world and improve their mental and physical health".
This statement captures the essence of a generation shaped by life's challenges and triumphs, who find joy and meaning in connection, curiosity, and purposeful living.
Research consistently shows that older people often exhibit greater optimism than younger generations, a phenomenon rooted in their accumulated life experiences. This perspective is bolstered by a lifetime of overcoming challenges, witnessing personal growth, and developing a deeper appreciation for enduring joys. Older individuals tend to focus on what truly matters—relationships, health, and meaningful pursuits—rather than transient difficulties.
As highlighted in The Voice of Older Western Australians, this cohort sees themselves as knowledgeable (60%), resilient (54%), and wise (40%). When asked about perceptions of their generation, 39% of older Western Australians describe their cohort as optimistic, reflecting their belief in their ability to navigate life's challenges with hope. Their optimism is not naive but shaped by decades of navigating hardships and learning to adapt with grace.
This aligns with broader research on aging and positivity, which suggests that older adults are more likely to adopt positive coping mechanisms, reframe negative experiences, and savour moments of joy. In Optimism: The How and Why, Victor Perton highlights this as "resilient optimism"—a strength cultivated through years of life's complexities.
The study reveals that more than half of older Western Australians remain optimistic about their futures, with aspirations to travel (62%), exercise (59%), engage in community service (45%), and learn new skills (28%). Their optimism is grounded in meaningful relationships and fulfilling activities, with family time, socialising, and hobbies ranking as their greatest sources of happiness.
Although these older Australians express concerns about global violence, environmental degradation, and the welfare of younger generations, their resilience tempers these anxieties; their ability to contextualise and adapt to challenges reflects a more profound wisdom gained over decades. This adaptive optimism enables them to maintain hope while addressing real-world problems with pragmatism.
The report highlights the importance of family and community connections in fostering well-being. Older Western Australians derive joy from social engagements, volunteering, and staying physically active, often seeing these pursuits as antidotes to loneliness and a means of preserving independence. Their advocacy for autonomy and identity resonates with the principles of optimism, which emphasise agency and forward-looking resilience.
The optimistic spirit of older Western Australians offers valuable lessons for individuals and societies. Their ability to navigate life's complexities while remaining hopeful provides a powerful example of resilience. One participant eloquently stated, "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been."
This wisdom, born of experience, reflects the deeper contentment often found in later life—a contentment rooted in valuing what truly matters.
Juniper's CEO, Russell Bricknell, aptly summarised the study's ethos: "This research allows us to amplify the lived experience of older people to advocate for change for the better."
“In many ways the report demonstrates the optimism, resilience and adaptability of older Western Australians. But it also reveals the need for targeted work to combat ageism and address the issues that limit the capacity of older people to improve their mental and physical health," said Mr Bricknell.
Their optimism, tempered with realism, mirrors the essence of The Optimism Principle: "The answer to life's most pressing questions is optimism".
As Robert Masters AM, Chair of The Centre for Optimism, remarked, "To me, Optimism is the foundation for change. It is not just an attitudinal process, but a realistic assessment of a situation. This is reflected in the older Western Australians approach to their lives and circumstances. At a personal level, it means assessing circumstances and finding positive pathways to change your situation. At a leadership level, it is about providing the pathways to positive outcomes. This why strong, decisive leadership is so important to the divisive society Australia is currently experiencing. The leaders must assess the how and why this division has occurred, introduce the pathways to bringing us back to an optimistic society tempered with realism and based on our strong national values, especially respect and fairness."
As the world continues to grapple with uncertainty, the optimism of older Western Australians provides a hopeful blueprint. Their life experience teaches us resilience, positivity, and meaningful connections are key to enduring well-being. They remind us that a fulfilling life is built on connections, purposeful living, and a belief in better days. Their collective voice challenges ageist perceptions, demonstrating that optimism transcends age and has the power to transform both individual lives and broader societal attitudes.
How can older Western Australians' life lessons and optimism inspire you to navigate your challenges with greater hope and resilience?