Abstract
Improvements in healthcare and living standards have meant that people can in theory look forward to many years of healthy, active life until they are well into old age. The years from 50 onwards are often cited as ' the best years of your life' , due to the combination of good health, financial stability, and freedom from the responsibilities of work and family - but in many cases the reality can be very different.
People at the younger end of the over-50 age range may still be constrained by the demands of family and working life, and can be pulled in many directions, trying to cater for the needs of children and aged parents while holding down a busy job. Many also have financial concerns, including mortgage payments, poorly performing investments and/or lack of pension provision. At the other end of the age range there can be problems caused by loneliness because of the loss of friends and partners; they may be restricted by their own major or minor health problems; and they may be struggling financially due to having to live on a fixed income.
This report looks closely at the concept of ' the best years of your life' as it applies to this age group. Using a variety of research sources it attempts to ascertain the extent to which the years after 50 really are experienced as such - and if so, by whom, and in what age group.
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