Gone are the days of working until you're 60 and then enjoying a short retirement on a state pension.
Life expectancy has risen dramatically and, if we take care of ourselves, may mean a healthy life well into our eighties or nineties.
For some, that thought may fill them with dread.
Common concerns about living to a ripe old age include health, independence, loneliness and financial security.
Health, of course, is paramount.
Will quality of life be good? Will I be healthy enough to enjoy all my free time after retirement? Will I still be able bodied enough to travel and spend time with my grandchildren? Will I be fully mobile and able to enjoy leisurely pursuits? For many, independence is high on the list.
Will I be dependent on the state, or worse still, my children? Will I be able to drive and look after myself? Will I be able to live independently or will I end up in a home? Loneliness is a silent deadly disease that strikes fear into the hearts of many.
In today's modern world where less of us are having children, the divorce rate is at 50% and the tight knit communities of old are fading fast many will find themselves on their own in their golden years.
This is borne out by the massive demand for single unit properties and self-contained units.
Financial concerns are front of mind in today's credit crunch world when headlines are screaming about the collapse of state and company pensions, the housing market is nose-diving and we are served in Tesco's by little old ladies and men who should be enjoying their gardens and grandchildren.
If you're "lucky" you may be one of the estimated 11 million people who are destined to live to 100.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, longevity is increasing rapidly.
The good news is that it's possible to put strategies in place in your 40's, 50's or 60's that will transform your quality of life in your 80's, 90's and beyond.
So, what are the secrets to a long and healthy life? Traditional advice about a healthy diet and exercise, moderation in all things and no smoking, still stand but there is increasing evidence that psychological factors may be even more important.
It is no surprise that keeping active mentally and physically will keep you young (and young at heart).
However, take this a step further by ensuring you don't stagnate.
Keep working (preferably for yourself!), change your location and your routine and keep looking for challenges.
Stay positively positive at all times.
Optimists generally live longer and are more content than pessimists.
According to the British Longevity Society routine is the enemy of healthy ageing so try and fill your life with variety and challenges.
In short, the secret to healthy ageing is don't smoke, don't get fat - keep busy and don't ever retire.
Life expectancy has risen dramatically and, if we take care of ourselves, may mean a healthy life well into our eighties or nineties.
For some, that thought may fill them with dread.
Common concerns about living to a ripe old age include health, independence, loneliness and financial security.
Health, of course, is paramount.
Will quality of life be good? Will I be healthy enough to enjoy all my free time after retirement? Will I still be able bodied enough to travel and spend time with my grandchildren? Will I be fully mobile and able to enjoy leisurely pursuits? For many, independence is high on the list.
Will I be dependent on the state, or worse still, my children? Will I be able to drive and look after myself? Will I be able to live independently or will I end up in a home? Loneliness is a silent deadly disease that strikes fear into the hearts of many.
In today's modern world where less of us are having children, the divorce rate is at 50% and the tight knit communities of old are fading fast many will find themselves on their own in their golden years.
This is borne out by the massive demand for single unit properties and self-contained units.
Financial concerns are front of mind in today's credit crunch world when headlines are screaming about the collapse of state and company pensions, the housing market is nose-diving and we are served in Tesco's by little old ladies and men who should be enjoying their gardens and grandchildren.
If you're "lucky" you may be one of the estimated 11 million people who are destined to live to 100.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, longevity is increasing rapidly.
The good news is that it's possible to put strategies in place in your 40's, 50's or 60's that will transform your quality of life in your 80's, 90's and beyond.
So, what are the secrets to a long and healthy life? Traditional advice about a healthy diet and exercise, moderation in all things and no smoking, still stand but there is increasing evidence that psychological factors may be even more important.
It is no surprise that keeping active mentally and physically will keep you young (and young at heart).
However, take this a step further by ensuring you don't stagnate.
Keep working (preferably for yourself!), change your location and your routine and keep looking for challenges.
Stay positively positive at all times.
Optimists generally live longer and are more content than pessimists.
According to the British Longevity Society routine is the enemy of healthy ageing so try and fill your life with variety and challenges.
In short, the secret to healthy ageing is don't smoke, don't get fat - keep busy and don't ever retire.