Over 60s rebel against stereotype with changing lifestyles Active pensioners seek thrills and adventure

26/01/2009

 Britain’s older generation is casting off the traditional image of a sedate lifestyle snoozing in front of the fire for a more action packed way of life, a study revealed today.

A poll by Intune, the financial products and services provider set up and owned by Help the Aged, found that a third (33%) of over 60s surveyed are more likely to be adrenaline junkies and go on activity holidays such as skiing, diving, cycling, walking or golfing each year. 80% of those interviewed also like to jet off to overseas destinations, taking at least two foreign holidays each year and nearly one in six enjoy more than four trips abroad.

Mature travellers even appear to be rebelling against stereotype in their packing habits and are becoming increasingly tech-savvy. While older people may pack medication or a spare pair of glasses, many now can’t leave home without their high-tech gadgets. Two in five (40%) take their mobile phone on holiday while some can’t be without their MP3 player (5%) or laptop (2%) and specifically look for wireless internet (2%) when choosing a destination.

Over 60s have increasingly eclectic tastes and are more likely to be adventurous when it comes to their holiday food too, with many being turned off by traditional English breakfasts and roast dinners. A third (33%) want a good selection of authentic local cuisine when choosing a holiday destination compared to a minority (7%) who insist on having British food when they go away.

To help older people choose their perfect holiday, Intune has produced a new online travel guide at: www.intunegroup.co.uk . The resource provides information on a wide range of holidays along with a whole raft of tips on what to take, when to go, how to get there and any pitfalls to look out for.

Launching the guide, 68 year old broadcaster, writer and fitness guru Diana Moran, well known as television’s The Green Goddess in the 80s,
said:
 
“Intune’s poll dispels the myth that all older people while away the hours in their home. This is a generation that wants to continue to rock and roll rather than sit in rocking chairs.  Over 60s are healthier, fitter and have more energy so it’s not surprising that we choose more active holidays and travel more. Many of us are reluctant to settle for a quiet life after reaching retirement age. Becoming older brings many changes but it also produces lots of opportunities to stay vital and happy.”

The Intune findings support the current trend for older people to be more active. Last year, the government announced proposals for free  admission to public swimming pools in England for over 60s; a second outdoor ‘playground’ for pensioners is planned in Eastbourne following the opening of a similar scheme in Blackley, Greater Manchester last January and research** shows that a third of all people taking a gap year are aged over 50.

Stuart Castledine, Managing Director of Intune, said: “With the over 60s now outnumbering children in Britain for the first time ever, we need to recognise that this age group is an increasingly important  and influential body and their views on life are changing.  For many of the baby boomers born after 1946, 60 is the new 40 and they now have the time and the money to travel and enjoy more active holidays.

However, many companies make it more difficult for older people to go 
on holiday by imposing an upper age limit on their travel insurance products.  Intune provides single trip and annual insurance policies for travel in Europe or across the world.  The policies have no upper  age limit and pre-existing conditions may be covered.”