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Forget 40, truly life begins at 60

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Forget 40, life truly begins at 60

by Hannah Ricci, from Wallet Pop

 

You may have lost count of the grey hairs and wrinkles, and be considered officially 'old' by younger generations, yet life begins when you hit the big 6-0.

Those in their 50s are the most content age group, and now further research suggests true happiness kicks in a whole decade later.

Despite the age of 66 being considered officially 'old' in the poll by retirement specialist LV=, 60-somethings are happier, more financially secure and physically fitter than younger generations. People in their 60s also feel up to 16 years younger than they actually are.

The study found our definition of what's old is different for every age group, with 18-19 year old teens saying 44 is officially old while 40-somethings balk at this and say 67 is when you are actually getting on. Those in their 50s think you're over the hill at 71, while those in their 60s think you're past it at 73.

Ray Chinn, LV= head of pensions commented: "Forget the old adage 'life begins at 40', it seems to begin at 60 instead. While the younger generation think those in their 60s are officially old, they could probably learn a thing or two. 60-somethings say they feel the happiest and the most financially fit of any age group."

Fit and free

The older you are, the better shape your finances are in, according to the research, with one in five also saying they're in the best ever physical shape too. Less work commitments means more spare time and those in the 60s are enjoying more holidays than any other age group.

Chinn added: "This research sheds a lot of light into the lives of those in their 60s and 70s and how they are far from being classed as 'over the hill'. In fact, it shows they are financially and physically fitter than a lot of the younger generations so able to live out their 'golden era' to its fullest.

"Retirement planning and keeping your finances in order can be an important part of leading a comfortable and happy life in retirement. This can be done in many ways, from drawing an income while your pension stays invested, to releasing equity from your home. Expert advice earlier on in life, rather than later can go a long way to making sure people have a fulfilled and happy retirement."

Now, as a twenty-something I find this all a little depressing. While it's fantastic that older generations are fully embracing life, the idea that 60 is the age of financial freedom and fitness suggests the rest of us may have a long way to go until we're truly content with life. And if current pension situation is anything to go by, we may reach that age and still be no better off. We're expecting to have to work longer through necessity rather than choice, and therefore less likely to enjoy the freedom retirement age is supposed to bring.

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Suzanne Sommers is incredible. She's 64 and she's been cancer-free (breast cancer) for over 10 years, too.

 

Barbara Amiel, the writer, who is also married to Conrad Black, is 71 and looks like she's 25 years younger.

 

Granted, these women can afford the judicial use of plastic surgery and hormones, but still....

 

I'd also like to say that men in their 60s are wonderful. Some of my all-time favourite visitors are in this age bracket. The article Loralee posted emphasized financial security, which is important, but what I notice is a kind of genuine patience that comes with real maturity. Men in their 60s may not be able to have three orgasms in a night, it's true. But they can have one, sometimes two, that are deeply satisfying, which is what matters, anyway.

 

In my admittedly rarely-humble opinion, men in this age bracket are the finest lovers, too. One can expect that, if they want sex, it's because it really matters to them that they and their partner should enjoy the encounter as fully as possible. They know how women's bodies work, where the important places are and how to touch and torment them. Playing is a process: the goal is pleasure, rather than some particular peak experience that brings everything to an end.

 

Suzanne Sommers was on Rachel Ray yesterday talking about being sexy after 60. If that is 64....I am no longer afraid :)
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i couldn't agree more being in this age group i know what is being said when i decide to vist an sp i want her to enjoy just as muc as i do.

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