Report: Over 50s

What food products do you always have: in your cupboards and in your fridge?
Tins are an essential for being able to quickly throw together a meal and cupboards are always stocked with pasta, cereal and soup. Fridge staples are milk, yoghurt and butter.

How important is the healthiness of the food brands you buy?
Respondents look at the sugar, salt and additives present in the foods they buy and prefer to buy unprocessed foods where possible. However cost is a big factor; though many admit to spending more on food as they get older and picking higher quality food, some would only buy organic when it’s the same price as non-organic.

What food brands/shops do you trust to be good value for money?
Respondents’ views on Sainsburys revealed they believe it is good value because it provides a big range of offers. Waitrose is seen as offering very high quality food and freshness and a great reputation. Tesco is trusted because of the diversity of products on offer and the low prices available. Interestingly Marks & Spencers though often regarded as luxury food was seen as becoming more competitive on cost.

However value for money is often a secondary consideration next to convenience – respondents generally go to the nearest supermarket to where they live and only make special trips to further destinations.

Do you have or will you be buying digital TV?
Freeview is the most popular choice because its free, though Sky is the second choice because of the sports and film channels it offers. Many of the older respondents only have digital TV because they were given it by relatives or friends. Feelings towards the digital offerings are luke warm and respondents seem fairly non-plussed with the offerings, admitting they only watch a couple of channels and believe there are too many repeats on offer.

Where do you like to go on holiday?
The most popular destination is Spain though respondents are enjoying more frequent breaks to European and British cities for shorter periods. The Caribbean is also a top spot for this life stage.

What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
Walking is the most common pastime and respondents like to keep active with a range of activities including swimming, dancing, the gym and gardening. Family commitments keep the over 50s busy and voluntary work is also important.

What websites do you visit the most?
Over 50s aren’t afraid to buy online and conduct their banking and grocery shopping over the web. Popular websites are Amazon, ebay, Ticketmaster and online newspapers.

What financial plans have you made for retirement?
Most of the respondents have got private pensions or are relying on state pensions to help them with retirement. Property is seen as extra security for retirement.

How do you intend to spend your spare time when you retire?
The most popular answer involved travel, from visiting new places to moving abroad during retirement. Other responses involved pursuing a hobby and becoming more active with sports.

What high street shops do you visit the most?
Top clothing stores include Monsoon, Zara and Marks & Spencers because of the value and good range of clothes available that respondents feel suit their age. Department stores such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencers and BHS are praised for their choice, quality and prices.

What do you do to try and stay healthy?
Taking regular exercise is seen as the most important factor in staying healthy and include walking, going to the gym and even trampolining! And keeping the amount of alcohol consumed down is also seen as paramount to being healthy.

Do you intend to move when you retire?
Most intend to stay where they are, preferring to use holiday homes and stay in contact with friends.

What green issues are important to you and what do you do personally?
Respondents try to help the environment by recycling as much as possible and creating less waste in first place. Other ways they help are by switching off electric devices at night and trying to travel in more environmentally friendly ways.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Future plans involve travel, from moving abroad to seeing new places. Respondents also hope for grandchildren and having more free time in retirement.

What are your hopes and fears for the future?
Main worries include loneliness and anxiety about getting old and being dependent on others. Other concerns are terrorism, knife crime illness.

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