GETTY Many pensioners do not consider themselves elderly until they hit 85

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Many do not consider themselves elderly until they hit 85. And for more than one in 10 old age now starts even later at around 90. In fact, people aged 60-plus are looking forward to their 70s as a golden age of travelling, volunteering, keeping fit and having the time to spend with family and friends.

Old age alone should not be a barrier to an active lifestyle David Sinclair

Unlike previous generations, those between 60 and 69 do not see themselves as old with two-thirds planning to learn or do something they have never done before, the study by the Royal Voluntary Service has found. David Sinclair, director of the International Longevity Centre – UK, said: “Sir Winston Churchill remained prime minister until after he reached 80 in 1955. “Old age alone should not be a barrier to an active lifestyle. Indeed, our recent research revealed that at least one in four men and one in 10 women aged over 85 had sex in the last year.”

GETTY 45 per cent of those surveyed named actress Dame Helen Mirren as an inspiration

The study backs up data from Public Health England showing how older people are living longer. For those aged 65, men can expect another 19 years and women a further 21 years. And it appears the growing list of active, older celebrities who show no signs of slowing down as they approach or turn 70, is proving an inspiration.

Celebrities who defy the test of time Tue, February 28, 2017 Age defying stars who have stood the test of time. Play slideshow BBC•Getty 1 of 17 Ainsley Harriott turns 60 this year. Here he is pictured in 2000 & 2017

GETTY Country singer Dolly Parton has also been named as an inspiration

In the survey, nearly half (45 per cent) named actress Dame Helen Mirren, 70, while a quarter cited former BBC correspondent, Kate Adie as role models. Other names included country singer Dolly Parton, 70, as well as actresses Joanna Lumley, 69, and Alison Steadman, 69, along with Labour politician Ken Livingstone, 70, who is never far from the headlines. Miss Steadman said: “When I was 17 I remember thinking 35 was very old. How we change, grow and learn. Life is for living and to be 70 now seems exciting to me.”

GETTY Data from Public Health England showed that older people are living longer