You’d be forgiven for thinking that cruises and bowls are the things old age pensioners look forward to when retiring, such are the stereotypes. However a new study commissioned by insurers Aviva higlights a growing band of ‘Go.A.Ps’ who describe the first year post-work as ‘brilliant’. And in a poll of pensioners asked about ‘things to do before you die’, touring Europe in a caravan was right up there in third place.
In first place 47% surveyed said they would love to visit some of the Seven Wonders of the World, while learning a language made second place. Meanwhile a few results from the top 10 will surprise some: 12% of pensioners said they would like to go out with a younger man or woman before they die, while 11% said they’d like to drive a Ferrari.
Todays new pensioners are more active than ever, with an average of eight social engagements a week. They’re not dragging their other halfs to functions either – many stressed that romance is a “top priority” while their relationships have never been so good. And the post-work buzz continues when they were questioned on the hoary old subject of age. Those asked believed society won’t consider them “old” before at least 68, and so ‘look forward to enjoying themselves for years’.
Twenty years ago those surveyed believed that they would spend retirement babysitting for their grandchildren, gardening and reading. Yet today’s retired are taking up photography (25%), going out with friends, and have a list of things to do that include starting their own business and skydiving.
As the ‘baby-boomer’ generation of the 1950s grows into the pensioners of today, Caravan Times is reminded of a quote from former prime minister Harold MacMillan in 1957: “You’ve never had it so good”.
