It’s official now! Dorset has climbed to the top spot in Britain’s ageing population explosion, with an all-time high of 19.2 percent of over-65 people living there. The average age of citizens living in West Somerset is a whopping 52, with about 30% of the citizens aged over 65.

But what is the reason behind this trend? UK government statistics show that high-priced properties in the recession-hit British economy have been one of the main reasons why young people avoid Dorset as a residential option. Another factor that has influenced the average age of the Dorset population is the fact that wages offered in the area are much lower than the average wage offered elsewhere in the country. This has made students and young professionals stay away from the region.

The consequence of the two issues combined together is the actual reason behind Dorset’s aged population – high property prices and low pay makes the area almost inaccessible for the young who do not have the financial capability to live in the region.

Therefore, people retiring and returning from London after selling off their city-properties maintain an artificial lever on the prices, stopping it from going down. However, the concentration of an increasingly ageing population has not affected the region’s economy as the age-charting map has uncovered the startling fact that more and more over-50s and over-65s are participating in work and allied activities.

So, whether old or not, inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are yet to catch up with Dorset!

Tags: ageing population, dorset

For all those Britons who have always had an unquenchable thirst for travel across the seven seas, there is good news in store! The Post Office, after an intensive survey, has found that aged travellers, especially, the over-65s are the most diligent and fearless in pursuing travel trips and plans – both domestically as well as abroad.

This comes as a pleasant surprise for mature travellers, as the recession has already weakened the finances of many.

Over-65 travel insurance had already become a major issue of concern for those travelling out of Britain and to places such as Africa or Asia, where the security issues and health concerns compel the tourists to have a travel insurance cover.

The Post Office has relieved a majority of such world-trekkers, many of whom were risking travel without travel insurance. It has also relieved a lot of stress from the children of parents who are over-eager to travel.

The travel insurance plan for the over-65s from the Post Office comprehensive yet well priced policy. Annual multi-trip over-65 travel insurance policies save the candidates from spending a fortune every time they decide to travel. Apart from the core travel cover for over 65s, additional benefits such as cover for baggage, waiver on excesses or golf cover are also readily available at through the Post Office.

However, the upper limit of their travel insurance has been set at 74. However good these plans may seem, always check the terms and conditions that have been set down by the Post Office before purchasing the travel policy.

The move from one of Britain’s most reputed and organized institutions has been welcomed by one and all, especially, from the older age group. As Rachel Croft, Head of Travel Insurance, Post Office, asserts, “We understand that finding affordable travel insurance can prove difficult for older travellers and can lead to people having to take out policies that impose high costs or heavy stipulations, which is why we are extending our multi-annual travel insurance policy to the over-65s.”

With a good multi-trip travel insurance to cover your back, you are ready to conquer the world, for travelling is an art that is never too late to practice and enjoy!

Tags: older people, over 65, post office, travel insurance