Elderly remain active into their 70s

Switzerland’s senior citizens continue to actively engage in cultural activities well into their 70s, according to the Federal Statistics Office.

To mark the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations in 2012, the Statistics Office examined ways in which Switzerland’s senior citizens engage in society.

The first of three reports, released on Thursday, reveals that nearly 70 per cent of 55-64-year-olds and around 60 per cent of 65-74-year-olds regularly visit monuments, historical sites, concerts or musical events.

“Senior citizens over the age of 70 in Switzerland are extremely active,” the report says.

“There is only a statistically significant difference between each age group of senior citizens for markedly ‘young’ areas such as cinemas or festivals.”

The Statistics Office found that considerable differences exist in the types of activities enjoyed by senior citizens relative to the profession they practised before retirement. Those whose last occupation was as a manager, academic, engineer or book-keeper are more interested in the arts and culture than people who were formerly commercial employees or worked in manual trades.

For example, some 70 per cent of the first group of seniors visited a monument or historical site in the past 12 months, compared with 40 per cent of the second group. This is despite being of similar age and with comparable leisure budgets.