Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

'Sprightly-Over-sixties' at risk due to active lifestyle

Sprightly Over Sixties (SOSs)... New consumer research from the British Chiropractic Association reveals that gung-ho over-sixties are more adventurous than ever before-


Forget the quiet life…new research from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) shows that the over 60s are opting for adrenaline activity holidays rather than relaxing cruises.

Spending the inheritance and living life to the full, this emerging sector of society, known as SOS – Sprightly Over Sixties – is being advised to monitor their lifestyles and keep their bodies in check, by the BCA.

Far from slowing down into retirement, nearly 60% of over-sixties travel more than ever before and more than one in four say their holidays are more adventurous than in previous years.

While nearly one in four have already enjoyed horse riding and a fifth have turned their hand to mountain biking, these adrenaline activities are obviously not enough. Even rock climbing, which has been pursued by 16%, isn’t the peak of excitement anymore – instead a wish list reminiscent of a university student gap-yearer is taking precedence.

Activity Wish list - all of which at least one in ten SOSs want to try:

1. Scuba diving: a different kind of Blue Rinse, more and more older travellers are keen to have a go and discover underwater life
2. Sky Diving: the ultimate adrenaline rush!
3. Motor Sport: appealing to more men than women, this dare-danger activity catches the eye of more than 10% of over-sixties
4. White Water Rafting: said to be more dangerous than jumping out a plane, this physically demanding activity is swiftly becoming popular with both men and women of this age category


This is all very positive news, agrees the British Chiropractic Association, and no one should be discouraged from being active and enjoying life. However, as Tim Hutchful, BCA chiropractor comments, there are steps that can be taken to ensure energetic activity or an exciting lifestyle choice is pursued in the safest possible way: “It’s important that although this dynamic group of people may feel young and energetic, their bodies are biologically slowing down and more precautions need to be taken now than when they were younger. To coin a phrase, the spirit is willing but the flesh (and backs and joints in this case) may be weak. Although many people may feel not a day over 21, their bodies may well tell a different story.”

Significantly, nearly half of over-sixties found that back pain had, at some point, prevented them from partaking in adventurous activity and one in three blamed the initial trigger of their back pain on picking up heavy things.

An overwhelming 85% of over-sixties are aware of chiropractic treatment yet, alarmingly, half admitted they wouldn’t do anything about their pain unless it was unbearable, most saying they would rather wait until the pain became more severe before getting examined.

Tim Hutchful flags up how crucial it is to take action should you feel pain or discomfort: “Ignoring the 1st signs of back or joint pain can be potentially dangerous. It is strongly recommended that you get checked out as soon as possible to avoid any, more serious, damage being done. A chiropractor can talk to you about the symptoms and treat you to help relieve the problem as well as find the cause of the pain and help prevent future reoccurrences.”

Finally, one crucial lifestyle inconsistency was revealed by the BCA research: only 18% of over-sixties go to a gym, compared to one in three of under-21s, the more traditionally active age group. This is important as it highlights the potential danger faced by the SOSs; how can they expect their bodies to rise to the challenge of demanding activities if they’re not regularly keeping fit?

Tim Hutchful comments: “Embarking on exciting and adrenaline-fuelled activities after an otherwise low-impact routine is easy to do – many consider regular exercise as separate from what we do on a day out on holiday or with friends. Keeping supple and fit is vital to enjoying these challenging pursuits.”

To find out more information about the BCA please visit www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk
or call 0118 950 5950
-ends-

For BCA Press Enquiries/case studies/quotes please contact Liz Harding, Jon Temerlies or Julie Doyle
icas public relations
Tel: 020 7632 2400, Fax: 020 7240 2520 Email: lharding@icas.co.uk