NEW RESEARCH SHOWS THAT PETS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN A GOOD SEX LIFE FOR STAYING YOUNG AT HEART

A nationwide study has revealed a list of ways to stay young at heart, according to people aged 65 and over, with never thinking you’re too old to try new things topping the list (63 percent). Laughing as often as possible came in second (57 percent), and always eating well (56 percent) came third. Over half of those surveyed (52 percent) believe a positive mental attitude and the need to always look on the bright side is key, whilst having a good sex life was important to 23 percent. The results also showed that on a good day, the average over-65 Brit says they feel 14 years younger than their actual age.

The study, by Agria Pet Insurance, also found that owning a cat or dog is important for 2 in 5 (42 percent), although almost 40 percent shared concerns about what would happen to a young pet if something happened to them.

Simon Wheeler, Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, who commissioned the study to mark the launch of Agria’s Age Amnesty initiative, said: “The survey has uncovered some fascinating insights into how we can stay young at heart as a nation. The research demonstrates a wealth of ways older Brits can do so, with adopting an older pet really helping the over-65s stay fit, active and ultimately young at heart.” Joe and dog, Cindy with Kathy from Yorkshire Dog Rescue