A study undertaken on behalf of Oddfellows, the friendship group for retired people, surprisingly found that more people in their seventies were happier by comparison, than those in their fifties and sixties. One in three people in their seventies was ëvery happyí, compared to one in six persons in their fifties.

The research was conducted during the summer of 2014 and nearly one thousand British citizens were interviewed.

The study found that people in their seventies were ëvery happyí because they were able to rediscover the joys of everyday living. They identified the following as keys to happiness:

• Having a meaningful role in the community
• Making new friends and spending time with them
• Having good health
• Enjoying hobbies and taking holidays
• Having the freedom to go shopping when they wanted which included avoiding the supermarkets at the weekend

Jane Nelson, chief executive officer of Oddfellows said: ëWhat our research shows is that itís perfectly possible for life to begin at 50, 60 or even 70 ÖThe very simple message that emerges is that if you approach life in the right way you can become happier as you get olderí.

She also commented: ëRetirement doesnít necessarily meet expectations for a lot of people. Many simply look forward to having a lot more time on their hands, but that can translate into loneliness, a lack of purpose and a longing for social interactioní.

The point being made that itís important to plan how you will spend your time once you retire. Many people miss the personal engagement that comes with working, this is where friendship societies such as Oddfellows come into play.

It’s also important to plan your affairs so that in the event of the worst happening, such as your passing, you have made provision for your wishes to be carried out regarding your loved ones and your wealth. This can be achieved through making your Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

To find out more about making your Will or Lasting Power of Attorney please contact us by calling 020 8537 3448 or send an email to†wills@ashtongrace.co.uk

Ashton Grace ñ specialists in Wills & Estate Planning.