The Department for Work and Pensions published two reports which examine attitudes to old age.  Predictors of attitudes to age across Europe provides a systematic overview of how people aged 70 and over are viewed by others. Key findings are:-

Aspirations for later life reports the findings from interviews with adults of all ages regarding plans for their 'later life'.  On average, respondents felt that later life started at 58 (unsurpirsingly, older people tended to give a higher age).  Asked about their plans for later life, leisure actitivies and hobbies were most frequently mentioned.  Respondents also mentioned volunteering, employment, community activities or undertaking further training.