Retirees fall into one of five main personality types, according to research, and being a ‘short break Steve’ is the most common.
In a survey of more than 1000 retirees, 30 per cent said they liked to make the most of opportunities to explore other cities and countries.
Almost three in 10 (28 per cent) identified as a ‘care-a-lot Carol’, loving nothing more than looking after the grandkids, pets or even neighbours’ plants.
A further quarter saw themselves as a ‘green-fingered Gary’, a gardening enthusiast who keeps the lawn in pristine condition all year round. Another 17 per cent fell into the ‘active Annie’ category, due to their love for fitness.
The final 23 per cent identified themselves as a ‘foodie Frankie’, adults who enjoy food and drink and will find any excuse to have a celebratory lunch or dinner.
Out of all the respondents, 29 per cent claimed to live a more active life since retirement than they did while working. With full social calendars, family commitments taking up time and new hobbies being discovered (or rediscovered), for some there’s little time available for cooking and prepping meals.
A spokesman from food delivery brand Parsley Box, which commissioned the research, said: “We’re all different and that’s what makes life, and retirement, fun.
“The research in our eyes puts the conversation beyond doubt that the years following deciding to retire can be some of the most interesting and fulfilling of your life.
“And with so many plans in place, it can be difficult to fit everything in, with the research highlighting how many opt not to cook from scratch.”
A whopping 78 per cent said quality food was important to their lifestyle, with retirement bringing more opportunities to sample the best dishes on offer.
The survey also found that 56 per cent believe staying active is the key to retirement and 37 per cent say it’s essential to try new things to keep the retirement years interesting.
An overwhelming 76 per cent think the perception of retirement has completely changed in the past 20 years, with age no longer seen as a barrier to doing things, leaving older people more active than ever before.
Top five most identified retirement personalities
- ‘Short Break Steve’ is constantly on the lookout for a quick domestic getaway.
- ‘Care-a-lot Carol’ loves to look after everyone – including grandkids or neighbours’ pets – and is always first to offer to water people’s plants when they’re on holiday.
- ‘Green-fingered Gary’ is a gardening enthusiast who keeps the lawn and bushes in perfect condition all year round.
- ‘Foodie Frankie’ is always up for brunch, lunch or dinner with friends and family.
- ‘Active Annie’ is hot on fitness and typically has numerous gym classes and fun runs planned each week.
Which retirement type are you or do you expect to be? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: What’s your money personality type and how can you improve it?
Yep, I’m definitely a blend of Short Break Steve and Foodie Frankie. Got rid of pets and gardens when we downsized and now expect the gardeners to keep the gardens pristine. We try to fit in unstructured exercise with breaks and celebrations, but it can be tough.
Being pensioners, the money we don’t spend on gardens, gyms, fitness classes and shopping helps us have short breaks. Surprising how much easier it is to dine out and dine well versus shopping to eat at home. Guess the restaurants and cafes are better at managing dish sizes to eliminate wastage, unlike us, who always had leftovers when we cooked.
Ellie, you FORGOT one important category, VOLUNTEERING.
Many people volunteer in later life.
It is rewarding, gives them exercise, they meet like minded people at same & different events, even make friends, they’re helping charities & it’s good for their mental health getting out & about.