This is the age when Brits hit peak happiness. What are their secrets to wellbeing

Brits get happier with age, a new survey suggest. Millions of 70-year-olds are experiencing the happiest phase of their lives.

In a time when ageism has become a problem, older Brits say that there are many perks to getting old. A recent Royal Voluntary Service looked at how British citizens over 70 are getting along with their lives and found that the majority of them consider old age as the happiest phase of their lives.

The survey found that 63% of citizens over 70 are happier now than they have ever been. Furthermore, over half, 52%, believe they are still in the prime of their life. And when asked about what are the perks of getting old, two thirds said that having more time to do what they want is the greatest advantage of having a venerable age.

The feeling of being liberated seems to be the one that makes older Brits happy, 52% said that they enjoy the fact that they have to worry less about things that are not that important, that they do not have to worry about what people thing and are able to speak their minds.

Enjoying old age

But to be able to enjoy your old age, health is essential and older people shared some of their secrets that allowed them to have a happier retirement. For 89% of the survey participants, keeping their brain active was a priority in order to be able to fully enjoy their old age.

Maintaining a positive attitude and constant physical exercise are just as important to a persons’ wellbeing later in life; and humor, 66% of interviewees listed laughter among the top ten contributing factors to their happiness.

“Depending, of course, on reasonably good health, I think the secret of a fulfilled and contented later life is to keep the mind open; take an interest in local, national and international affairs; exercise in moderation; enjoy the company and friendship of younger people and hold fast to your sense of humour!,” said actress and Royal Voluntary Service ambassador, Dame Patricia Routledge,now 88-years-old.

And almost one quarter also said that intimate relations were a key ingredient to staying happy and healthy. Being engaged in activities that fill you with joy and watching your diet seem to be the best advice.

“My secret to a happy and healthy older age is to keep working as long as you want to, my work is my passion, eat well (you can never go wrong with a salad!), never forget that a little jog and wonderful stretch is all you need daily, bring music into your life, but above all, dance dance dance,” said Arlene Phillips CBE, aged 73.

“I like to set myself a number of challenges every year – this is what keeps me young. Life is exciting, be ambitious and set goals. If you want to be an explorer and climb Mount Everest, don’t let anyone stop you,” said Brian Blessed.

Previous research by the charity also revealed the importance of continuing to maintain hobbies into later life. Sixty nine per cent of over 70 year olds practice at least two hobbies on a regular basis claiming this contributes significantly to their health and wellbeing.

They survey also revealed that 35% of older Brits are planning a big travel trip, and a third are planning to or are currently learning a new skill, such as gardening, cooking and knitting. Another 29% are volunteering while 7% are either looking for a new romance or are using their retirement to learn how to drive.

Britons’ top 10 secrets for a happy golden age