5O THINGS @ 50 family history including censuses and birth, marriage and death indexes. In addition, we hold details of local community groups that specialise in genealogy. This is, of course, in addition to a range of books about various points in history and on the topic of genealogy itself.”
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THIS IS 50
Damien Mills Goal Media & Marketing, Exeter “I’m not sure my priorities have changed a great deal, if at all. That said, you do become increasingly conscious that middle age is upon you and that, if you don’t want life to pass you by, time is of the essence; I feel like I need to start ‘making things happen’ before it’s too late… “Whilst it would be a dream to go back to Los Angeles, if it doesn’t happen I’ll cope with that. However, it would break my heart if I didn’t get to spend lots more quality time amongst friends and family in Sidmouth, the town where I was born almost 50 years ago. “My uncle retired at 40, my dad at 50, but, alas, I ain’t in a position to be slowing down any time soon! Admittedly, I enjoy my job, however, getting stuck late at work and consequently missing out on a game of golf pains me much more now than it might have done a few years ago! “I think, as I get older, I want to do more socially. Admittedly, it’s a few years now since I’ve hit the dance floor at Timepiece, but I’m not ready for a pipe and slippers quite yet!”
Making new friends
Check out cheerful, informal local friendship networks Exeter Social Group, and Exeter IVC. And we seriously dig Exeter Northcott’s Go Together Club – a chance to meet up with fellow theatre fans.
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throwing a 50th party
Fact: 50ths are the new 40ths. Mainly because few of your mates need to book babysitters these days. If we were booking one today we’d definitely call The Terrace and try to bagsy that roof terrace…
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Writing that novel
Exeter is teeming with creative writing types to coax you into tacking your longpostponed masterpiece. Even better? The city has it’s very own version of the Booker for when you’ve finished: the annual Exeter Novel Prize.
PROPERTY
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Equity release
You can access capital from the value of your home from the age of 55. The advantages of doing so, according to Martin Pratley, head of residential property at Exeter law firm Gilbert Stephens, are that it provides a tax-free cash or income; you have the right to remain in your home, and that they are highly regulated financial products. On the down side, equity release reduces the amount of your estate available for your beneficiaries, may affect social security benefits, can come with potentially expensive set up costs and fees and restricts further remortgaging. Your call.
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becoming a buy-to-let landlord
Recent government policies and tax changes have slowed the boom in the buy-to-let market – however, becoming an amateur landlord remains a hugely popular way for the latemiddle-aged to boost retirement income. It pays to seek independent financial advice, and there’s plenty of that in and around Exeter.
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Downsizing
Downsizing as you grow older is largely a positive lifestyle choice. Low maintenance home; less ‘stuff’; capital to spare – what’s not to love? But it’s essential you do it right. Says veteran Exeter estate agent Roger Wilkinson of Wilkinson Grant: “Our advice is, the closer you are to 60, the more you should give serious thought to
52 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk
downsizing. Eventually, your health and well-being will almost certainly mean that you need less space, less maintenance and lower running costs, and it makes sense to not just plan ahead but take action when you can still reap the maximum benefit from the finance and lifestyle changes you can enjoy.”
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Relocating overseas
Dreaming of finally getting that new life in a warmer clime? There were 204,074 Brits aged 65 and over living in the EU at the beginning of 2017. You’d be advised to join them before the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December 2020, after which the typical British expat lifestyle is likely to get a lot harder to achieve.
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Renovations
Construct that conservatory or garden office you always wanted. Finally knock through into the box room to create a walk-in dressing room. You won’t relish the hassle after 60…
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Grown-up children
Sure, you want to make their lives easier but... The biggest mistake parents aged 50+ make? “Making a gift that is too generous and leaving themselves in the future with financial difficulty,” say Exeter-based law firm Ford Simey. “It’s a natural instinct of every parent to help and support their children, but really important to ensure that children take responsibility,” add local bankers Handelsbanken.
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your ageing parents
This summer, Bluebird Care Exeter, East Devon & Exmouth launched their #TalkCare campaign with series of short films encouraging a county-wide conversation on care. You can find them all on their YouTube channel ‘Bluebird Care Exeter’ now and they are the perfect starting off point...
GIVING BACK
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Mentoring
Know a thing or two about life, work and the universe at 50, huh? And since your offspring probably don’t care, why not mentor someone who will? Offer yourself to Ebford-based Motiv-8SW, or the University of Exeter’s career mentor scheme.
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Activism
Identify your pet cause, political or otherwise, and get involved. Rediscover the idealistic soul you were when Madonna released Vogue.
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Volunteering
From Exeter Foodbank to RAMM to the RD&E, volunteers keep the city running. Troubled by recent environmental news? Plastic Free Exeter organise clean-ups across the city – find them on Facebook – or maybe help conserve and clean up the East Devon countryside? See Spotlight, page 9. Find out more at CoLab (formerly know as Exeter Council for Voluntary Service) on King William Street. Your city will thank you.