Engage Mutual Discover Many Are Fit at Fifty

Over 70 per cent of 'fit over fifties' claim they now do more exercise and pay more attention to their diet.

And more than half of them feel they look younger than their age.

Nearly a third said that working long hours or running round after children interfered with their health and fitness when younger. But with more time on their hands and less responsibility for a growing family, they now exercise more frequently than in their younger years.

At the same time, their average intake of foods such as ready meals or takeaways has reduced by half.

For 67 per cent, their new found motivation to increase levels of fitness they put down to a raised awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Louise Withy, from Engage Mutual, which conducted the research, said:

"It's great that so many people feel so fit in their fifties and above.

"It challenges many of the preconceptions around ageing and is good news when we consider that in light of increased life expectancy, many more of us will be spending a larger proportion of our life 'over 50'.

"Current predictions for life expectancy state that men age 65 could expect to live another 17 years and women at 65 could expect to live another 20 years.1

"These kind of predictions make taking action on health and fitness in our later years just as important as when we are younger."

The research indicates that the 'fit over fifties' eat far more fruit and veg now than they did in their early years. Only a fifth of them would have made sure they were having their recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day 30 years ago – compared to an impressive 75 per cent today.

And of the people who feel fitter than in their twenties, the average exercise levels approach four times a week and include walking, swimming, cycling or attending a fitness classes.

Eight in 10 people also claim to pay more attention to what they are buying in the supermarket, thinking about the ingredients, and how good items are for them.

When questioned about why they do more exercise now, 29 per cent claimed they want to be fit and energetic for the sake of the grandchildren; 37 per cent are looking forward to an active and enjoyable retirement; and 23 per cent say exercise now makes up an important part of their social life.

For more than half, it was gaining weight that prompted their lifestyle change, while 17 per cent suffered a worrying health scare.

Louise Withy continues: "The fifties can be a time when many people reflect on their health and consider their longevity.

"Children moving away from home, and winding down at work can provide the space to address their own needs and where required, adjust lifestyles and introduce a healthier routine.

"For some, turning 50 can be a new beginning."

Engage Mutual specialises in providing over 50s life cover, which can be a great help to friends and family after you've gone. By paying a set monthly amount, you can set up a lump sum that is paid out upon your death. However, the plan has no cash in value at any time and only pays out on your death. Any cash lump sum paid out will be considered part of your estate (unless written in trust) and may be subject to inheritance tax. There is usually an initial period during which the full death benefit is not paid and each provider should have all the necessary product information on their website.

1 Office for National Statistics : Interim Life Tables 2007-2009

For further information contact:
Kathryn McLaughlin
Engage Mutual Assurance
Tel: 01423 855245 / mob 07794 283788

Editors notes
Engage Mutual's over 50s life cover plan, easy save, junior easy save, protected investment bond are provided by Homeowners Friendly Society Limited (HFSL). HFSL is Registered and Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992, Registered number 964F. HFSL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), FSA Register number 110072.
Engage Mutual's child trust fund is provided by Engage Mutual Funds Limited (EMFL), Registered number 3224780. EMFL is a wholly owned subsidiary of HFSL and Authorised Corporate Director of Engage Mutual Investment Funds ICVC. Engage Mutual Investment Funds ICVC is an investment company with variable capital. Registered in England number IC00044. EMFL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), FSA Register number 181487.
Engage Mutual's health cash plan is provided by Engage Mutual Health (EMH). Registered number 515058 of 14 St Cuthbert's Street, Bedford, Bedfordsire MK40 3JU. EMH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Engage Health Holdings Limited (EHHL), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of HFSL. EMH is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). EMH's FSA Register number is 202311. Engage Mutual Health has offices in Harrogate and Bedford.

You can view our details on the FSA's register http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmSearchForm.do or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.
Engage Mutual Services Limited (EMSL) is a non-regulated wholly owned subsidiary of HFSL. EMSL is an appointed representative of EMIL. Registered number 3088162.

The following are non-regulated wholly owned subsidiaries of HFSL.; Engage Mutual Administration Limited (EMAL) - Registered number 4301736; Engage Mutual Services Limited (EMSL) - Registered number 3088162; Engage Health Holdings Limited (EHHL) - Registered number 71124.

Engage Mutual Assurance is a trading name of HFSL, EMFL, EMIL, EMH, EHHL, EMAL and EMSL.
Engage Mutual is one of the larger UK mutuals providing simple, value for money savings, protection and investment products to more than 500,000 customers. Engage Mutual prides itself on being a family-oriented, modern mutual, providing products that help enable households of all kinds to plan their finances to help meet their future needs.

More information on Engage Mutual is available at www.engagemutual.com

Engage Mutual has been the title sponsor of the Rugby Super League since 2005 and has extended its agreement to 2011.