Home insurance firm highlights ’silver hobbies’
Elderly hobbyists have been advised to make sure that their home insurance covers potentially expensive items such as garden equipment, fishing rods and golf clubs.
A new survey from Saga Home Insurance shows that the nation’s over-50s are enthusiastic about their leisure pursuits, with 13% spending more than five hours a week on hobbies and 65% having taken up a new pastime since leaving work.
The report also highlighted the expensive nature of many of these activities, as 47% were found to spend £500 or more on their hobby.
Andrew Goodsell, executive chairman of Saga Group, commented: “Many people embrace retirement and throw themselves wholeheartedly into their new hobbies, spending a large amount of money on the new equipment that it requires.
“Giving up work can be the ideal opportunity to indulge in your personal interests.”
Equipment for hobbies is commonly covered by home contents insurance policies and some firms also offer add-on cover for items such as garden furniture and plants.
Gardening was found by Saga Home Insurance to be the single most popular hobby among over-50s, with 41% of the group participating in the activity.
Meanwhile, 25% had taken up photography, 20% had begun volunteer work and 7% are learning a new language.