Launching the guide 68-year-old broadcaster, writer and fitness guru Diana Moran, well known as television’s The Green Goddess in the 80s, said:

“Intune’s poll dispels the myth that all older people while away the hours in their home. This is a generation that wants to continue to rock and roll rather than sit in rocking chairs. Over 60s are healthier, fitter and have more energy so it’s not surprising that we choose more active holidays and travel more. Many of us are reluctant to settle for a quiet life after reaching retirement age. Becoming older brings many changes but it also produces lots of opportunities to stay vital and happy.”

The Intune findings support the current trend for older people to be more active. Last year, the government announced proposals for free admission to public swimming pools in England for over 60s; a second outdoor ‘playground’ for pensioners is planned in Eastbourne following the opening of a similar scheme in Blackley, Greater Manchester last January and research shows that a third of all people taking a gap year are aged over 50.

Stuart Castledine, Managing Director of Intune, said: “With the over 60s now outnumbering children in Britain for the first time ever, we need to recognise that this age group is an increasingly important and influential body and their views on life are changing. For many of the baby boomers born after 1946, 60 is the new 40 and they now have the time and the money to travel and enjoy more active holidays. However, many companies make it more difficult for older people to go on holiday by imposing an upper age limit on their travel insurance products. Intune provides single trip and annual insurance policies for travel in Europe or across the world. The policies have no upper age limit and pre-existing conditions may be covered.”