Inspired rather than retired typifies people's attitudes to later life, according to new research by the Generation Xperience campaign published today on 1 October 2007 - the first UK Older People's Day.

The research found that most over 50s are ambitious, financially more secure, less stressed, eat more healthily, and have better prospects in later life than their parents did.

It found that almost one in three over 65s have more life goals than they did in their thirties, while optimism and opportunity are the buzzwords of Generation Xperience. Nearly two thirds of over 50s are happier now than ever before and eight out of ten say prospects for later life are better than their parents.

Pensions minister Mike O'Brien says: “These findings show that people's attitudes to age are changing and we are now more likely to have a positive view of later life. UK Older People's Day today is a chance to celebrate the huge contribution that 20 million people over 50 make to the UK and to tackle outdated stereotypes of what it means to be 'old'. We need more people to see age as an opportunity not a barrier.”

The study found that 15% of over 50s have conquered instant messaging, social networking sites and internet chatrooms, while emailing is becoming the norm for 37%.

It found that more than one in ten also engages in further education and learning new skills.