Article by Fabafterfifty
Fab after fifty is all about living life to the full and celebrating the ‘best half’. It seems that new research carried shows that age is no barrier to pursuing hobbies and passions.
Research was conducted by Age UK to see if perceptions of the younger generation re getting older accurately reflected the reality experienced by the older generation. Hopefully the findings will encourage the younger generation to have a rethink!
The Positive Attitude of the Over 60s
The new survey looks at attitudes to later life of people aged 18+ and has been conducted to mark the launch of a new TV advertising campaign from Age UK. Reflecting the positive attitudes of many of those aged 60+ who describe their lifestyle as interesting (38 per cent), varied (42 per cent), fun (20 per cent) and rewarding (24 per cent), the new advert shows the nation that growing older does not mean that hobbies and passions stop. It features people doing what they enjoy, celebrating later life and all it can offer. This is in sharp contrast to some of the younger generations’ perception of old age as boring (17 per cent of 16-24-year-olds) and slower-paced (over 20 per cent of all under-60s).
• Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of Brits have tried new activities since turning 60*
• 53 per cent revel in the freedom that the later years offer
• One in five (20 per cent) say active hobbies help them feel younger
Many people over 60 years of age in the UK are embracing their later years by taking up new hobbies and activities, according to research from Age UK. 71 per cent* of those over 60 years old are tackling new challenges like learning a foreign language, taking to the dance floor, or even getting the adrenaline pumping with outdoor activities like bungee jumping, kayaking and mountain climbing.
Amongst those featured in the advertising campaign are a Tai Chi group, tap dancers, ballroom dancers, a 91 year-old bodybuilder, a unicyclist and an 81 year-old singing leading lady. Many of the cast are people who have been directly helped by Age UK. The advert aims to show the different services and products that Age UK offers and how it can help people to make the most of later life.
The variety of hobbies and activities on the to-do lists of the over 60s include learning a new language, yoga, bike riding, acting and dating– it’s never too late!
Top hobbies over 60s would like to try:
Learn a new language : 25 per cent
Dancing : 22 per cent
Learn a new skill : 21 per cent
Bike riding : 10 per cent
Fun nights out : 11 per cent
Acting : 8 per cent
DIY : 8 per cent
Yoga : 7 per cent
A new sport : 6 per cent
Dating : 5 per cent
Adrenaline activities : 3 per cent
The study was conducted by Age UK
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