THE average 60-something prefers Antiques Roadshow to Strictly Come Dancing, favours The Beatles over the Rolling Stones and has an income of just over £20,000 a year, according to a study.

Researchers found that while many people of this age are financially settled having paid off their mortgage, health worries outweigh anything else for 62 per cent.

Despite exercising three times a week, more than half of those in their 60s suffer from back pain, one-third have high blood pressure and 28 per cent get regular headaches.

The study of 1,800 adults aged 60 to 69 is the latest in a series of reports from Nationwide Building Society looking at the financial and social life of different age groups.

It shows the average 60-something has approximately £338 
of disposable income each month, which is spent on one night in 
the pub, an evening at a restaurant and a couple of days out with the family.

Seven in 10 people aged 60 and over live in the house they purchased at the average age of 28 – and 60 per cent have completely paid off the mortgage. One in five is still renting.

One-third of those polled are still in employment, with two in five still working an average of 36 hours a week. 

But one older worker said they feel “like part of the wallpaper”, while younger colleagues are given better opportunities to progress their careers.

One worker felt their male boss favoured younger female workers, while another said younger workers with children to look after were given priority when booking holidays.

Someone else said they were not invited to certain work functions, while another employee claimed younger workers took more time off sick than older staff. 

Respondents of this age group are relatively debt free – owing just £1,789 across credit cards, overdraft and loans, excluding any mortgage payments, and £3,335.60 with.

Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, Nationwide’s head of savings and mortgage policy, said: “Sixties is one of the most varied age groups as for many it covers the transition from employment to retirement. 

“At a time when some would like life to start slowing down, our latest life-stages survey shows this may actually be far from the truth. It appears that for many the hamster wheel is turning just as fast.”

The study also found that when it comes to debt, those in their 60s owe £3,335.60 on average, including on mortgages, overdrafts and credit cards.

The research also found The Beatles, Abba, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones are the favourite music acts among those surveyed, while Grease and Shirley Valentine are the top films of choice.

Long-running favourites Antiques Roadshow, Strictly Come Dancing and Midsomer Murders were the top three TV shows for 60-somethings, with Luther and Sherlock also in the top 10. 

Three-quarters of those surveyed were in a relationship, the average length of which was 31 years, while those who drive are most likely to use a Ford Focus or Fiesta.