Heating, light and power represent the third highest expenditure in many retired homes who are dependent on the state pension. This shows the potential for pensions providers to make the public, non-Greys and Greys alike, more aware of what is on offer by way of personal pensions. When shopping for food Greys tend to buy recognised brands from a prepared shopping list and resist impulse purchases. For household items, they like to shop around and are less influenced by special promotions than by informed and courteous service. Greys like to read last thing at night from a book often borrowed from the library rather than purchased.
White wine is a favourite drink, followed by bitter and whisky.
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.