A wide-ranging research survey found recently that the over-55s overwhelmingly believe that old age begins at 80. Just over 500 people were asked for their views, with an almost even split between male and female respondents. The survey was conducted for SilverCircle.ie.

A significant proportion of respondents in the survey, conducted by Ask Chili for the website, who are still at work see the recession affecting their retirement date, with almost half (47 per cent) saying they expect to postpone their retirement due to the recession. Just over half of those who are already retired believe their income will fall over the next five years. Of these, half expect a fall of up to 25 per cent.

However, their attitude to retirement is, nonetheless, upbeat. Eight out of 10 say retirement is a “time for an adventurous new life”. Those who are already retired are overwhelmingly positive about the experience. Nine out of 10 agreed with the statement: “I am having my time again. I am intent on reliving my youth and using my wealth and leisure time to do it.”

When does old age begin? Attitudes to old age were particularly interesting; eight out of 10 maintained that they would regard old age as starting at 80. One-fifth said old age began at 65. Interestingly, the people in that latter group were 23 per cent more likely to be male than female.

In the survey, 59 per cent believed that 50-somethings are down-ageing (engaging in activities which are traditionally seen as pursuits of younger people) by taking exotic holidays, buying sports cars or motorbikes, taking gap years abroad and so on.

Today’s over-55s are definitely interested in how they look. Putting effort into one’s appearance, they agreed, is a sign of continuing to engage with the world and maintaining a sense of dignity and self respect.

The internet may only have been around, as far as most consumers are concerned, since the 1990s but the over-55s in the survey have taken to it with unbridled enthusiasm. A huge 98 per cent agree that the internet is “fantastic – it has revolutionised my life”. They use the internet primarily for shopping and staying in touch with family.

Sex and relationships remain especially important to the over-55s. Just under half have suffered a loss of libido. Nine out of 10 believe sex is part of a healthy relationship. Only 10 per cent have ever used prescribed drugs to increase their sex drive.

Among those who live on their own, just over half are hoping to meet a new partner. Of these, one in five use online dating while others rely on more traditional methods such as social contact and meeting people through friends.

Interestingly, only 52 per cent of the interviewees have grandchildren – perhaps a reflection of late marriage on their part or on that of their children. Only one-third of the over-55s would say that their kids were far better behaved than their grandchildren are. However, 75 per cent say children today are far too spoilt, which suggests that they own up to having “spoiled” their own children.

The notion of grandparents as the inevitable carers of their grandchildren takes a knock in the survey. Half of those surveyed say they are rarely asked to mind their grandchildren, although 30 per cent are asked to mind their grandchildren at least once a week. However, only 3 per cent mind them every day.