Older people are far more active and adventurous than in the 1940s

With the help of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, 63, the charity is launching a report showing how retirement has changed over the years.

Pensioners barely resemble those of the 1940s, its says, they now live longer, are more adventurous and more affluent.

But, it says, 29% of over 60s report suffering ageism.

According to the report which surveyed 2,000 people, those aged 55 and over were nearly twice as likely to have experienced prejudice because of their age than any other form of discrimination.

It is an indictment on our society that we are pigeonholed when we reach 60-65 Sir Alex Ferguson

Nearly 30% of people believed there is more prejudice against the old than five years ago, and that this will continue to get worse.

'Nothing dramatic'

Sir Alex said it was an indictment on society to be pigeonholed at 60 or 65.

"I think when I reached 60 I was waiting for some physical change.

"OK, I could see I was getting greyer for quite a few years but some people are grey in their 30s. I was expecting a more pronounced statement from my body but, lo and behold, nothing dramatic at all.

"The essence when you get older is your health, and if you are fit and healthy, then there is no reason why you shouldn't carry on working.

"It is an indictment on our society that we are pigeonholed when we reach 60-65.

"It is probably thought out by a younger generation."

Nation's wealthiest

There are now 11 million people of pensionable age in the UK and in the next 26 years this will increase to more than 15 million.

The over-50s are the UK's most important consumers, owning up to 80% of the nation's wealth.

Some 71% of over-60s say they have a fulfilling social life and more than half take two or more holidays a year, according to the Age Concern survey, which questioned 2,000 people.

Age Concern was launched at a conference on 7 October 1940.

Organised by MP and social reformer Eleanor Rathbone, the conference of voluntary organisations and government departments decided a co-ordinated approach to helping the elderly was needed.