19 August 08 – Intergenerational ties stronger than people think

The beliefs that young and old people have nothing in common and we are a nation who don’t know our neighbours are urban myths, according to new research.

The vast majority of Brits (86%) say they socialise with people outside their own age group, with more than half saying they do it often or all of the time.

New research for the Full of Life campaign shows over two thirds (69%) of us agree that we have things in common with people of different generations – evidence that age is not an issue when making friends. As for our neighbours, only five per cent of Brits are not on first name terms with those next door and well over half (58%) socialise with them.

Broad social circles

Young people have the broadest social circles with two thirds (67%) of 15 to 25 years olds regularly spending time with those older or younger than them – higher than any other age group. Almost two thirds (63%) also dismiss the idea they don’t have things in common with other ages.

Youth charity The Prince’s Trust and Age Concern both confirm ties between the generations are stronger than many people think.

Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of The Prince's Trust says:

“Thousands of young people on Prince’s Trust schemes support their community every year, with many actively volunteering to help older age groups. There are young people across the UK with energy and enthusiasm that, if harnessed, could be a powerful force for change.”

The same is true at the opposite end of the age spectrum. Half of over 65 year olds regularly socialise with people older or younger than them. Again, around two thirds (65%) disagree that there’s no common ground. 

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, adds:

"Older people clearly have an important role to play in their communities, and many already give much of their time and expertise to others as grandparents, carers and volunteers. Negative, ageist stereotypes often disappear when different generations come together and learn to understand and appreciate each other. Breaking down barriers in this way undoubtedly lays the ground for building stronger communities."

Intergenerational hot spots

The top places we socialise with people outside our own age group are at family gatherings, with neighbours, at work or at the local pub. Women are more likely to socialise with people of different ages through their children or whilst out and about in their neighbourhoods and men, through a hobby or at the local pub.

Keeping things close

We are alive to the benefits of being chummy with our neighbours with one in five (19%) of people regularly spending time with them. In fact, only 5 per cent of Brits are not on first name terms with the people next door. When asked why, over half of us (55%) want to feel part of our communities. This is second only to security on people’s list of neighbourly priorities. With over a quarter of us (27%) admitting we don’t have a friend that lives within a five minute walk from us, neighbours and community are increasingly important.

Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien says: “We share the same streets and supermarkets and this research shows that, contrary to popular opinion, we do know each other. People of all ages want to know the people who live around them and to feel part of a community and enjoy socialising and supporting each other. UK Older People’s Day on 1st October is the perfect opportunity to build on this and get to know older people in your neighbourhood making sure no one is left out – whatever their age.”

For more information on Full of Life and UK Older People’s Day, including tips and advice on running your own event, visit  www.direct.gov.uk/fulloflife

For media enquiries contact Vicky Hatchett on 0203 267 5121 or Kathy Barlow on 0203 267 5128.

DWP Press Office: 0203 267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. Gordon Lishman from Age Concern, Martina Milburn from the Prince’s Trust and Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien are all available to interview.
2. Research was conducted via BMRB’s in-home face-to-face omnibus, from 10 - 16 July 2008.  A sample of 1003 adults, aged 15+ across Great Britain, were interviewed, with data subsequently weighted to the known profile of this population.
3. Full of Life is a government campaign to celebrate the role older people play in society and to challenge outdated stereotypes of what it means to be old. For UK Older People’s Day on 1st October 2008, the Department for Work and Pensions is working with a wide range of organisations to encourage people to hold celebratory events that bring people of all ages together. For more information on the campaign and to find out how you can get involved visit www.direct.gov.uk/fulloflife
4. More results from the survey:

 

How often do you socialise with people outside your own age group?

 

I have little in common with people outside my own age group

 

Where do you socialise with people outside your own age group?

 

How well do you know your neighbours?

 

What do you think are the advantages of being friendly with your neighbours?