The generation of experience is raring to go
24th October 2007
Being young is what it's all about - having the energy and stamina to go anywhere and do anything. With age comes responsibility and restriction. Plus the pain of those little niggles that stop what would have been a walk in the park during the prime of life. Or at least this is what we've been led to believe down the years. Or is it what we've made ourselves believe? Maybe it's just a mental thing, a psychological thing.
In fact, it is probably not even true at all. According to a recent government survey, the over-50s generation are enjoying their moments on the planet more than they ever have done beforehand. Such so-called elderly "retirees" are indulging in various activities that would normally be associated with youngsters. Such a survey was carried out as part of the Older People's Day event and was dubbed Generation Xperience - a massive clue into the frenzied and diverse hobbies the over-50s and over-55s are starting to embrace.
Of those polled, 30 per cent claimed that they have more ambition and things they want to achieve than when they were just 30. And the additional figures prove this, suggesting that nothing is out of the grasp of our over-55s. Travelling was high up on the agenda, as 82 per cent asserted that they aim to break free from the gloomy UK shores and get more regular sun bursts.
While the lure of foreign lands may be too much for many to resist, those who opt to reside in Blighty are still maintaining their ambitious quest. Almost one in six respondents said that they are fully switched on the social networking craze - having taken a dip into futuristic (and predominantly the toast of youngsters) sites such as Facebook.
Other computer skills were also on the agenda, as 60 per cent of people stated that these were important to them and were something that could be learnt. New activities were imperative to 61 per cent of the over-50s who replied, which again proves their physical prowess.
Commenting on the results, Dr Arig Sigman, a psychologist, stated that a new milestone has been set. "It seems that 40 is no longer the milestone where life truly begins and clearly we should all be looking forward to our 50s as the start point of a rich and fulfilling existence," he told the Daily Mail. And if this is truly the milestone that the Dr professes, then it would be foolish not embark down a similar path. But, the active over-50s must beware that if they do consider a more progressive lifestyle, then insurance for their modern tools has to be thought of.
When homes are filled with expensive goods, then the possibility of damage and even theft is increased somewhat. Computers break, while physical assertions require equipment and this is enticing for criminals. There are many home insurance products available for the over-55s and once these are in place then the generation of experience can carry on regardless. If author Linda Kesley is to be believed, as quoted in the Telegraph: "A wise older woman once said that she didn't mind being regarded as being over the hill because it's only once you're over the hill that you pick up speed."
