UK sees a rise in 'Young Active Pensioners'

Nearly half of British older people are feeling at least ten years younger than their age, with the average pensioner now trying at least four activities since retirement, according to a new survey carried out by independent market research company, OnePoll.

Research carried out by ‘Remember A Charity’, an organisation made up of 140 UK charities, highlighted almost 30 per cent of people over 60 feel more active and happier in older age than their younger counterparts. While only three per cent said they felt exhausted and just two per cent felt unhappy on a daily basis, in comparison to 12 per cent of 45 to 55 year olds.

Rob Cope, director of Remember A Charity, said: "We are delighted that this research shows how active Brits in their sixties actually are! It is brilliant to think that so many people are living life to the full. As a group we simply want to highlight that alongside this it is important to remember to write a will in order to leave a legacy for all the things they care about – from loved ones to their favourite charities."

The newly found active mind-set of Young Active Pensioner’s (YAP) has resulted in them taking part in a number of new hobbies, including extreme sports, such as skydiving, bungee jumping and scuba diving and more than one fifth of 60 to 69 year olds regularly visited a gym.

The poll identified more than 25 per cent of over sixties were more likely to try new experiences, whilst over a fifth are more likely to engage in activities that take them out of their comfort zone.

Furthermore, the study found that almost one third of those surveyed are yet to write a will, despite taking part in extreme activities.