Active pensioners seek thrills and adventure
Britain’s older generation is casting off the traditional image of a sedate lifestyle snoozing in front of the fire for a more action packed way of life, a study revealed today.

A poll by Intune, the financial products and services provider set up and owned by Help the Aged, found that a third (33%) of over 60s surveyed are more likely to be adrenaline junkies and go on activity holidays such as skiing, diving, cycling, walking or golfing each year. 80% of those interviewed also like to jet off to overseas destinations, taking at least two foreign holidays each year and nearly one in six enjoy more than four trips abroad.

Mature travellers even appear to be rebelling against stereotype in their packing habits and are becoming increasingly tech-savvy. While older people may pack medication or a spare pair of glasses, many now can’t leave home without their high-tech gadgets. Two in five (40%) take their mobile phone on holiday while some can’t be without their MP3 player (5%) or laptop (2%) and specifically look for wireless internet (2%) when choosing a destination.

Over 60s have increasingly eclectic tastes and are more likely to be adventurous when it comes to their holiday food too, with many being turned off by traditional English breakfasts and roast dinners. A third (33%) want a good selection of authentic local cuisine when choosing a holiday destination compared to a minority (7%) who insist on having British food when they go away.

To help older people choose their perfect holiday, Intune has produced a new online travel guide at: www.intunegroup.co.uk. The resource provides information on a wide range of holidays along with a whole raft of tips on what to take, when to go, how to get there and any pitfalls to look out for.