New research by Churchill Retirement Living has underlined how retirees are determined to maintain their independence in later life, by dressing how they please, learning new skills, keeping in touch with friends and going on as many holidays as possible.
Churchill’s poll of 2,000 adults in their seventh decade and beyond found that three quarters of older people still have numerous parts of the world left on their wish list to visit, with eight in 10 seeing travel as a way to maintain their independence.
The survey also revealed that 78 per cent feel keeping their minds sharp now will help them stay self-sufficient long term. As a result, many are turning to crossword puzzles, Sudoku and taking up a new hobby.
Others keep an interest in what their grandchildren are doing, have regular conversations with younger relatives about what’s ‘cool’ and go to the pub at least once a week. A list of the ‘Top 30’ things over 65s say they’re doing to maintain their independence can be found below.
Churchill’s Chairman & CEO, Spencer J McCarthy, said: "From talking to our Owners we know it’s incredibly important to people that they stay independent for as long as possible as they get older. This research has shown how many strive to achieve this by keeping their body and mind active and enjoying a full and varied lifestyle, and it’s reassuring to hear that people are increasingly active and adventurous in their later years.”
As retirees keep busy and go away on holidays, naturally this leads to their properties being left empty, with one in six feeling uncomfortable about doing so when heading away for a week or more. Around a fifth said they had experienced a break in, or an attempted one at their property when left unattended.
Spencer J McCarthy added: “When you’re living life to the full you don’t want to be held back by worry, such as concerns over your property when you’re away on a long trip or visiting friends and family.
“A great thing about living in an apartment such as ours is the fact you can enjoy complete peace of mind when you’re off on your travels. You can just ‘lock up and leave’ and enjoy your time away safe in the knowledge that your home will be secure when you get back.”
Churchill Owner Derek Holley has enjoyed more freedom since moving to a new apartment at Moorhouse Lodge in Huntingdon. He says: “I needed somewhere that would offer me the peace of mind that I could just lock up and leave, as I spend much of my time travelling. Previously, I would hide away all my valuables when travelling. But Moorhouse Lodge is very secure. Everyone has a fitted camera entry system and there’s a Lodge Manager who keeps an eye on things as well. My apartment is ideal for my needs and I like the fact I’m living within a community of like-minded people.”
TOP 30 THINGS OVER 65’S DO TO MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE
- Gardening
- Dressing how I please
- Eating a varied diet
- Keeping in touch with old friends
- Crossword puzzles
- Using Facebook
- Watching new TV shows
- Keeping an interest in what my grandkids are doing
- Taking vitamin supplements
- Exercising at least twice a week
- Abiding by the rule of having ‘a little of what you fancy’
- Playing with grandkids
- Getting lots of sleep at night so I have enough energy for the day
- Using public transport regularly
- Going on as many holidays as possible
- Sudoku
- Eating out frequently
- Stretching
- Dying my hair
- Learning new skills
- Regular conversations about what’s ‘cool’ with grandkids/younger family members
- Doing the ‘Wordle’ every day to keep my mind sharp
- Continuing to work
- Going to the pub at least once a week
- Hanging out with people younger than me
- Playing video games
- Taking up a new hobby
- Using Instagram
- Keeping up with new music/what’s in the charts
- Using Twitter