ACTIVE OLDER LIFESTYLES
ACTIVE OLDER LIFESTYLES:
Members of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron - Photo: Andrew Delves
STAYING YOUNGER LONGER The average Kiwi is living a decade longer than they did 40 years ago and average life expectancy sitting at just over 82 years old, so the phrase “40 is the new 30” will soon be replaced by “60 is the new 40”. In fact there has possibly never been a better time for those over 65 to take up a new sport or go back to something they haven’t played since primary school. They will have literally decades to perfect their skills, develop competitive prowess and make new friends. Locally, there are a number of excellent sports clubs and organisations that have rich histories and thriving memberships that are worth checking out. They all offer options for both beginners and those with more experience. You can learn to sail, join a competitive petanque team, or perfect your tennis serve at one of the many clubs just a stone’s throw away from Ponsonby’s main strip. We talked to members of the West End Tennis Club, the Herne Bay Petanque Club, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the Ponsonby Cruising Club to find out what those over 65 can expect.
32 PONSONBY NEWS+ February 2021
Herne Bay Petanque Club, measuring the distance
Many of us lament the fact that kids seem to be getting older younger, but the flip side is that adults are staying younger longer. With life expectancy in New Zealand increasing by almost 20% every two years it is little wonder that more people are continuing to enjoy a wide range of sports and activities well into their later years.
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