Australian research has reported on older people's own views on healthy lifestyles. The vast majority said they took actions to keep healthy, primarily through physical activity, healthy eating, and social activity. Substantial minorities, however, had low levels of physical activity even though they were physically capable. Overall, older people are more aware of the importance of healthy lifestyles than are younger people. Qualitative studies show that older Australians have been strongly influenced by diverse life experiences, including war and economic depression.
Older people demonstrate coping abilities, self-reliance and stoicism.
The vast majority of older people find their lives satisfying and they frequently feel happy. Conversely, the prevalence of depression is very low among older people except for the relatively few who live in residential care. Even those with chronic illness generally maintain satisfaction with life by adjusting their expectations and daily routines. Most people in middle and older age groups have mixed but largely positive feelings about the future. Many older people perceive negative stereotypes about ageing, leading them to call for a more assertive defence of their rights.