Gardening, eating a varied diet, and dressing how they like are some of the top things over-65s do – in order to maintain their independence as they get older, a study has found.
Other ways the older generation stay feeling youthful include keeping in touch with old friends, using Facebook or Instagram, watching new TV shows, and doing Sudoku or crossword puzzles.
And the poll of 2,000 adults, who have reached their seventh decade, revealed that nearly three-quarters (73%) feel years younger than they are thanks to such activities – with people typically not feeling “old” until they turn 63.
More than seven in ten (72%) hate the idea of becoming a burden as they get older – with 78% doing all they can to keep their minds sharp, so they can stay self-sufficient for longer.
But despite taking a keen interest in what their grandchildren or younger relatives are doing, and what is considered “cool”, one in three believe their grandkids view them as “old”.
The research was commissioned by Churchill Retirement Living, whose CEO and chairman, Spencer J McCarthy, said: “Independence can mean different things to different people, as the results have shown.
“It’s incredibly important to people that they stay independent for as long as possible as they get older – and the research has shown many strive to achieve this by keeping their body and mind active, and enjoying a full and varied lifestyle.
“As a result, it’s reassuring to hear that many feel younger than they are, and that people are increasingly active and adventurous in their later years.”
It also emerged energised retirees feel an average of 14 years younger than their actual age – and 36% believe themselves to be more active than they were two decades ago.
Meanwhile, nearly half (49%) reckon they’re doing a good job of changing people’s perceptions of what “old” people are like, through their youthful behaviours.
Travelling is another way of staying independent, according to eight in ten of those polled – with 75% still having numerous parts of the world left on their wish list they intend on visiting.
However, over-65s typically say that if they could pick any age to be again, they’d choose 30.
As retirees keep busy, naturally this leads to leaving properties empty – with one in six feeling uncomfortable about doing so when heading away on a holiday for a week or more.
Almost a fifth (19%) have experienced a break in, or an attempted one, at their property when left unattended.
And 21% of adults over-65, polled via OnePoll, admitted their current property is bigger than they need – with the same number unable to do as much as they’d like due to a lack of spare income.
Churchill’s Spencer J McCarthy added: “When you’re living life to the full you don’t want to be held back by worry, such as concerns over your property when you’re away on a long trip or visiting friends and family.
“A great thing about living in an apartment such as ours is the fact you can enjoy complete peace of mind when you’re off on your adventures.
“You can just “lock up and leave” and enjoy your time away, safe in the knowledge that your home will be secure when you get back.”
TOP 30 THINGS OVER-65s DO TO MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE:
- Gardening
- Dressing how they please
- Eating a varied diet
- Keeping in touch with old friends
- Crossword puzzles
- Using Facebook
- Watching new TV shows
- Keeping an interest in what their grandkids are doing
- Taking vitamin supplements
- Exercising at least twice a week
- Abiding by the rule of having “a little of what you fancy”
- Playing with grandkids
- Getting lots of sleep at night, so they have enough energy for the day
- Using public transport regularly
- Going on as many holidays as possible
- Sudoku
- Eating out frequently
- Stretching
- Dyeing their hair
- Learning new skills
- Having regular conversations about what's “cool” with grandkids/younger family members
- Doing the Wordle puzzle every day, to keep their mind sharp
- Continuing to work
- Going to the pub at least once a week
- Hanging out with younger people
- Playing video games
- Taking up a new hobby
- Using Instagram
- Keeping up with new music/what's in the charts
- Using Twitter
