Age against the machine with the new YOLO* OAPs
AUSSIE pensioner Irene O’Shea became the world’s oldest woman skydiver – for a second time – after throwing herself out of a plane at the age of 102.
The plucky centenarian is one of millions of older people adopting the YOLO – you only live once – attitude.
With more disposable income than ever before, active social lives, holidays and sex they are living life to the full. a But you don’t have to be loaded or super-fit to “live your best life” – there’s a whole wealth of opportunities available now…
HOLIDAYS
Forget a sun lounger in Spain, today’s older generation have their sights set firmly further afield – and more often.
Travel association ABTA say the over-65s take at least two foreign holidays a year and 14 per cent were lucky enough to have four holidays in 2018, making them more likely than any other age group to go abroad.
Maria Whiteman, managing director of Saga Holidays said: “Over recent years we have seen a seismic shift in the number of people who want to combine relaxation with something different – from trekking the Himalayas to opting for more adventurous excursions on their cruises like snow-mobiling or dog-sledding.”
She added: “Being a passionate person and wanting to live life to the full is not about age, it’s about giving yourself permission to do the things you’ve always wanted to”
HEALTH
People in the UK live five years longer on average than in 1990 and average life expectancy has jumped from 75.9 to 81.3.
Older people are becoming healthier every year.
Since 1960, the death rate from cardiovascular disease has dropped by nearly half.
Better diets, vaccines and preventative drugs for high blood pressure and cholesterol, and a decline in smoking, means older people are spending less time in hospital.
FITNESS
Today’s 75-year-olds are fitter than people of the same age 25 years ago, one study has found.
Exercise helps you live longer, sleep better and reduces stress and depression.
Research from Harvard University found men who burned 2000 calories a week through exercise lived two-and- a-half years longer than sedentary men.
Over 65s can sign up for discounted gym membership at leisure centres.
There are plenty of easy gym-free ways to keep fit too, from walking to jogging. Owning a dog is also linked to staying fitter. And older folk don’t have to jump around to take part in team sports either. Many are trying walking netball as well as walking football.
EXTREME SPORTS
If skydiving is a bit too extreme, take a leaf from octogenarian John Starbrook’s book. The 88-year-old did the London Marathon for the 32nd time last year in 8 hours and 21 minutes.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Marathon running isn’t for everybody but there are plenty of other things we can all do to keep moving whether it’s walking, dancing, gardening – the list is endless, as are the benefits.”
BRAIN FITNESS
We know that doing crosswords or sudoko every day won’t prevent dementia but a daily puzzle creates a higher cognitive point from which to decline.
There is a strong link between mortality and IQ – a higher intelligence means on average a longer life. Researchers at Edinburgh University found a 15-point IQ advantage translated into a 21 per cent greater chance of survival. Over 65s can keep their brain healthy by doing Scrabble online, reading books and keeping up to date with current affairs and films.
DIET
In the UK, the over-60s still tend to eat too much sugar, too many processed foods, a narrow range of food, a high-fat diet, or a one low in fruit and veg. These diets cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
A few diet changes will improve health: the general rule is, if it comes in a plastic packet, it’s processed. Cook from scratch, use lemon juice, herbs and spices to flavour food rather than salt, eat oily fish like sardines and mackerel, even from tins, eat colourful vegetables and snack on raw nuts.
The over 60s should ditch the Viagra and follow a Mediterranean diet, including lots of olive oil, to help prevent impotence.
SEX
Being in a care home does not spell the end to sex. More than half of men (54 per cent) and a third of women (31 per cent) over the age of 70 are still sexually active, with a third having sex at least twice a month, according to a study by Manchester University.
The Royal College of Nursing are also issuing guidelines to staff at old people’s homes on how to help residents get access to double beds, pornography, sex toys and viagra.