Restless over-55s get down to business or strut their stuff
17th December 2007
While once the retirement years would mean having to settle down and employ
a laidback attitude to life, now it seems the over-55s are indulging in all
manner of hobbies. The traditional image of those after-work years conjures
up the notion of a cosy room, tranquillity and quiet. The middle-aged years
were the time when life was lived at a rush-hour speed, crammed with appointments
and various pastimes. But no longer is this the case. Retirees are taking advantage
of more spare hours to indulge in what they have always dreamed of, whether
that is something fairly mainstream or a little more extreme.
Take for instance, Colin Carlson, 56, whose story is highly topical at this
time of year. He makes hand carved wooden objects and has been doing so since
he gave up a career job, reports the Daily Mirror. He said that he has made
mistakes in the past, but leaning from them has helped him through the hard
times and he is very content in his present situation. Living in South Wales,
Mr Carlson and his wife construct the items - which include toy animals - for
the Creations in Wood venture. "I love my work. Nothing beats seeing
a child excited and happy about something I've made," he told the publication.
At first it was tough for the entrepreneur and his wife, as he used to travel
to numerous trade shows but would find that his handmade creations were much
sought after. He added: "We hired a trailer and went off with the rest
of the stock. I hand made rocking snails, horses, lorries and cars out of beech
wood. They all sold out." While cavourting around a number of shows could
be considered exhausting, it's nothing on our next example of the over-55s
deciding to enjoy their time.
Naomi Campbell. Kate Moss. Claudia Schiffer. Linda Evangelista. All of these
are famous names that have adorned the catwalk in recent times - but all, at
their height, were young and (almost) perfect. But a new trend, if one event
is to be taken seriously, is emerging. An over-50s catwalk extravaganza was
staged at a care home in Cardiff, in which youthful residents decided to strut
their stuff. And the participants truly got into the mood, according to accounts.
Vibe Models organised the show and employee Liz Oulton commented to the South
Wales Echo that the older crowd were treated to a stylish and informative spectacle. "The
models thoroughly enjoyed themselves and all want to do it again ... we were
really happy with the turnout considering people had to battle the traffic
problems in town," she remarked. During the performance money was gathered
for Age Concern.
Such hobbies of course should be encouraged for an older generation keen to
break free from boring days after retirement. Yet for any pastime, valuable
equipment is likely to be needed - especially in the construction of wood carvings
or fancy, fashionable model wear. This is why adequate home
insurance is imperative for restless over-55s. And there are specialist
over-55s home insurance policies available on the market so that older folk
can enjoy thrilling adventures. Settling down is a thing of the past. Now anyone
can be a supermodel or entrepreneur, it seems, regardless of age.