The little things giving people the most pleasure in later life

Pottering in the garden gives the most pleasure in life

Over 65s are enjoying some of the little pleasures that time and freedom in later life can bring.

New research, released to mark the launch of Age UK’s Living Your Way campaign, reveals that 32% of people aged 65+ in the North chose being able to potter in the garden as the activity that gives them the most pleasure in life.

Others featuring in the top three choices for people aged 65+ include having the time to go for walks (28%) and a passer-by saying hello (26%). Age UK’s Living Your Way campaign aims to give older people choice and control to stay independent for as long as possible.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General of Age UK, said: “Having a positive attitude and being able to enjoy the little pleasures in life is really important for our well-being. We want to help people to stay independent for as long as possible so they can make the most out of out of later life.”

The findings tie in with the recent ONS Happiness statistics for 2013 which show life satisfaction starting to climb in later life. Age UK’s research also shows that people aged 65+ in Britain enjoy shedding their inhibitions with over one in six taking pleasure in saying what they think and not worrying about it. We are also a nation of fish and chip lovers with almost one in 10 over 65s enjoying the dish on a weekly basis.

Celebrities have been sharing their little pleasures. Actress Prunella Scales is in agreement with the majority of green-fingered people, confessing: “One of my age-defying therapies is planting seeds and watching them grow.”

Actress Barbara Windsor says: “I love to reminisce with people about times gone by and the wonderful people I've known and worked with and especially the fact that so many strangers can chat to me and share those memories with me.”

Christopher Biggins commented that he enjoys, “Being able to say no to things, when younger you would have been coerced to saying yes and regretting it.” He also encourages everyone to “Live life to the full and enjoy every moment.”

Age UK’s Living Your Way campaign helps to give older people choice and control to stay independent for as long as possible through information, advice, practical services and specially designed products.

So whether it’s impartial advice on how to claim benefits to help stay independent or a question about adapting the home; or support for a loved one with hearing problems or decreasing mobility – Age UK and its local and national partners are here to help.