As might be expected, most Greys disagree with the present Government policy on pensions and changing the retirement age for women to 65. Over half of Greys feel the standards of care given to the elderly by the Social Services is not high enough and four out of five do not want to live in a retirement home. Their favourite leisure interests are reading, gardening, travel, music, TV, DIY and eating out. As Greys pass 45, there is a marked decline in their ability to participate in the more frenetic sports, but many continue to enjoy swimming, cycling, golf, fishing, snooker, darts and keep fit well into their 60s. The one activity which becomes increasingly popular with age is bowling.
Male Greys continue in active sports longer than females.
Increased health and more money has encouraged some of the more affluent Greys to travel more. On average, the over-55s tend to spend more on a holiday than younger people. As life expectancy increases, more Greys are realising that exercise and diet make a difference, but at least one health and fitness survey finds many well below their target fitness level. Elderly Greys are on the increase, signalling a major healthcare problem of the future. By the year 2031, there will be roughly three times as many aged 85 and over as was the case in 1981.