Recently, a high-level athlete was quoted as saying that she felt the same at fifty as she did at thirty; I guess a lot of people would echo her sentiments. And as the baby boomer generation enters their 50s, and 34% of the population is now 50 or older, we all anticipate living longer, fitter, and fuller lives. For many of us, the way we experience aging and middle age has become a more fluid and relaxed affair. Getting older seems to have fewer defined parameters and stereotypes associated with aging.

How many of us now look in the mirror and see an older person looking back at us? With the ready availability of hair dye, access to improved diet and medical care, and the choice of many non-invasive surgical treatments, we can whisk the years away with relative ease. Staying interested and keeping in touch with what’s going on in the world keeps us young in perspective, connected and has never been easier.

Fashion is also more inclusive as fashion houses appreciate that older people are a lucrative market to target. Leisure activities and sportswear aimed at people with excess free time and disposable income are a valuable source of customs. Many older people are inclined towards sports, golf, want to travel more and enjoy a full social life. There is demand for an attractive wardrobe to support that lifestyle.

An increasing percentage of the population is self-employed, allowing greater freedom in planning their schedules, with the option to adapt and change the way they apply their work commitment. It means that retirement does not have to occur at a predetermined age or time in life; clearance can be incorporated when necessary.

Then there are those people who may have waited until they were fifty years old for their children to leave home or to begin the process of ending an unhappy relationship. This decision will cause significant financial and domestic turmoil, but often provides an eagerly awaited fresh start in life.

For some, the financial pressure may have lessened as they get older, with the mortgage paid off, the children’s education completed and perhaps a pension beginning to pay. Others may still need or want to work; earning money can be an important consideration, plus the social and routine aspect of work brings structure and social interaction to your life.

Feeling younger than our years is all about activity and stimulation both mentally and physically. The University of the Third Age is an organization that offers interesting courses and events for seniors, but many training courses that support hobbies, arts and crafts, as well as additional training for professional qualifications, are available for people of a certain age. They provide routine, purpose, challenge, as well as opportunities for social interaction and friendship. Mental and physical exercise, from walking, yoga, sports to contests and stimulating conversations, are crucial to help us stay young.

As we age, some people may have begun to experience physical or health-related limitations, but this does not necessarily mean closing the door on a full and satisfying life. Different levels of in-home support can be tailored to meet each individual’s needs, from meal delivery, cleaning services to companionship and overnight care. Internet access can bring a lot, including family, friendship, shopping, work, training courses, and entertainment easily into the home, when needed.

Downsizing is an attractive option for many once their children have left home and committed to living their lives independently. Getting this right can free up some capital and bring less responsibility in terms of maintenance and overhead. Reducing financial stress is an important way to stay young, healthy, and committed to an active life.

Some people may use later life to revisit an interest from their early years that they chose to abandon or were unable to continue. Or later in life it may be a good time to establish a new business interest, perhaps a consultancy where there is the freedom to follow a new and satisfying route to success.

For others, they have put together a wish list of things they want to do, places they want to visit while they are still fit and able to enjoy them. Many tour operators offer adventure travel or extended stay options for those who have the time, money and inclination to take advantage of these opportunities and it’s a lovely way to fill the colder months with activity, warmth and a comfortable lifestyle.

The saying ‘health is wealth’ is especially true as we age, with many people in better shape, with more disposable income, ready and able to enjoy the freedom that comes with less responsibility. Taking care of the grandchildren can be a way to enjoy some days, but many in their later years also have busy schedules, full of plans, clubs and social events. Staying active and interested, being open and receptive to new opportunities in life is a great antidote to aging.