Only 6% of the over-65s feel they are actually old

THEY may be drawing a pension, but don’t dare call them old.

With role models such as the Queen and Dame Judi Dench – and an increasing life-expectancy – only a tiny fraction of Britain’s over-65s now view themselves as elderly and frail.

A survey of 2,000 aged between 65 and 93 found only 6 per cent feel their age changes the way they live their life and would class themselves as ‘old’.

Over-65s now total a sixth of the population and their numbers are set to nearly double from ten to 19million within the next four decades.

By 2050 one-in-four of the population will be aged over 65.

The vast majority, more than four in five, said their age group could make a huge difference to the country if they were allowed to contribute.

But they raised concerns that

‘Old fashioned taboos’

ageism was holding them back, with almost half of those polled claiming their generation is ignored, while more than a third felt they were treated badly because of their age.

For those nearing their retirement years, there is good news – almost half said they were happier post-65 than at any other point in their life.

Despite more than 60 per cent refusing to define themselves as ‘old’, almost the same number felt they are more likely to be seen as a problem by society.

The poll was conducted by Invicta Telecare, Britain’s largest independent provider of telecare services, which helps more than 100,000 people live independently in their own home.

‘With the number of us aged 65 and over set to increase rapidly, it’s important to tackle the old fashioned taboos that many are coming up against,’ said managing director Wendy Darling.

Meanwhile, more than three out of five pensioners admit they have not seriously thought about the type of care and support they would prefer as they get older,

A fifth also fear they will be classed as a burden to friends and family as they age.