Middle-aged have more fun than younger lot

LONDON - The average 50-year-old is having more fun than the younger lot half his age, finds a recent study.

Researchers found the typical “nifty fifty” is more sociable, happy and active than someone in their mid to late 20s.

Experts worked out that a modern 50-year-old goes out twice a week, catches up with four friends and has three weekends away a year, reports the Telegraph.

But the typical 20-something heads out just one evening a week, sees three friends and takes two short breaks.

The trend has emerged as half of over 50s said they want to enjoy life to the hilt compared to three in ten 20-year-olds.

The survey of 4,000 Britons was carried out by Benenden Healthcare, a society which provides for families and individuals.

A spokesman said: “It’s important for people of all ages to maintain a good work/life balance and look after their health and wellbeing.

“But it’s great to think that the older generation are showing the youngsters the way when it comes to enjoying a healthier and more exciting lifestyle.

“The over-50s are setting the pace well ahead of their younger counterparts. Being 50 is definitely the new 25,” the spokesman said.

The study examined the lifestyle of 4,000 Britons nationwide aged between 18 and 75 on their level of happiness and different aspects of their life.

And it found that those aged over 50 ranked their contentment 7.6 out of 10 and came out top on everything, while those half their age rated themselves 6.5.

It emerged middle-aged Britons have at least one meal out a week, have at least three glasses of wine and exercise for nearly two hours a week.

They have also jetted off to sunnier climates at least twice in the last year, taken up three times as many hobbies as someone half their age in the last year, and enjoyed three countryside walks in the last month.

But these figures are in stark contrast to those in their 20s who only manage two meals out a month, one holiday abroad a year and enjoy two glasses of wine a week.