More than one in four people aged 60 and over feels at least 20 years younger than their real age, according to the Retirement Nation 2010 survey from retirement income specialist MGM Advantage.

As well as feeling young, the over-60s also consider themselves healthier than the average 18 to 24 year old. 79% of the over-60s who took part in the survey describe themselves as very or fairly healthy, but believe that only 60% of young people could make the same claim.

On a regional basis, the North of England features the most people who feel young at heart, with 49% of people saying they feel younger than 50 and a third feeling over 20 years younger than their real age.

People in Wales and the South West are the most likely to feel their actual age than any other region. 

Statistics show that people are living longer but demographer James Vaupel believes that the ageing process, instead of being stretched out, is being postponed. 

In a recent article in Nature magazine, Vaupel commented that the better health in older age stems from public health efforts to improve living conditions and prevent disease, and from improved medical interventions.

But he warns that 'once it starts, the process of aging itself, including dementia and heart disease, is still happening at pretty much the same rate'.

It is predicted that the number of people with dementia will double by 2030 and treble by 2050.

Access Legal from Shoosmiths responded to the increase in dementia sufferers by setting up a dedicated team of specialists to deal with all issues affecting elderly and vulnerable people.

The team regularly helps with Court of Protection (COP) applications. If a person loses mental capacity before making a power of attorney, the COP willl appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. This person is called a deputy. The deputy might be a family member, but sometimes a professional, such as a solicitor, is appointed. 

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is recognised by the COP as being proficient in acting as a deputy for elderly and vulnerable people.

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