Old age begins at 76 says a fitter elderly generation

BRITONS do not feel “old” until they reach the age of 76, a study has revealed.

It was found that better diets, more exercise and simply refusing to let themselves go means we have a fitter older generation.

One in five over-50s exercise more now than they did when they were younger and at least half admit to being more careful about what they eat and drink as they approach their 60s and 70s.

The survey of 1,200 adults aged 50 and over, commissioned by Argos, also found most older people now use technology such as computers, tablets and mobile phones to aid their mental and physical health. It also helps their independence.

As many as 29 per cent are concerned about needing help to get around while 12 per cent do not want to face a time when they cannot exercise.

The survey of how sprightly people feel well into their 70s comes on the back of official figures which show older people living longer than ever before – men currently aged 65 can expect to live for another 19 years and women a further 21 years

Most deaths in England now occur in people over the age of 80. Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England, said living longer made achieving “a good quality of life in later years even more important”.

He added: “Even during mid-life, it is not too late to improve your health. Most of us could make changes today, like stopping smoking, being more active or eating better, that would allow us to look forward to healthier later years.”

Older people are also working longer with one in 10 of the over65s now still in a job.