Age and wisdom? 1 in 9 seniors say they still don’t have life figured out

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

A THIRD OF AMERICAN SENIORS DON’T FEEL CONFIDENT BUYING BIG TICKET ITEMS ANYMORE.

THAT’S ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY ONEPOLL FOR CLEARMATCH MEDICARE. THEY ASKED 2,000 SENIORS AGES 64 AND UP ABOUT HOW THEY MAKE DECISIONS.

RESULTS DISPELLED THE IDEA THAT OLDER PEOPLE HAVE ALL OF THE ANSWERS, ALTHOUGH MORE THAN HALF SAY THAT EVERYONE EXPECTS THEM TO (57%).

NEARLY A FIFTH AGREE THAT DECISION-MAKING IS ACTUALLY HARDER AS THEY GET OLDER (17%).

RESULTS SHOW THEY WERE OK WITH MAKING LARGE PURCHASES (28%) ON THEIR OWN AT ONE POINT, BUT NOW PREFER TO ASK OTHERS AHEAD OF TIME (31%, 35%).

DESPITE THAT PREFERENCE, TWENTY-SIX PERCENT SAY RELYING ON OTHERS IS ONE OF THE SCARIEST PARTS OF AGING (26%).

WHAT WOULD SENIORS TEST DRIVE BEFORE COMMITTING TO?

• Cars — 33%
• Electronics — 24%
• Doctors — 23%
• Life path — 22%
• Restaurants — 19%
• Appliances/furniture — 18%
• Apartments/homes — 18%
• Partner — 18%
• Clothes — 17%
• Insurance — 16%

SENIORS’ ADVICE FOR CORRECTING YOUR MISTAKES

• “Accept the fact that you made the mistake, find the right solution and move on”
• “After you figure out the source of your issue then ask yourself how to get where you prefer to be. Then sleep on it and the answer will come at some point.”
• “Be humble, do not feel shame. Own your mistakes apologize sincerely and move on”
• “Calm yourself and look at the whole picture, before coming to terms with the situation”
• “Do not let pride get in the way.”
• “Don't be afraid to ask for help. Trust your judgment but ask others to help when needed.”
• “Think about both positive and negative consequences for any important decision.
• “Just roll with the punches and don’t second guess yourself! Enjoy what’s left of your life!”
• “If you always do what you've always done you will get what you always got.
• “Rethink the pros and cons of the situation”

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans 64+ was commissioned by ClearMatch Medicare between Feb. 16 and Feb. 21, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).