| The Golden Oldies  A recent survey on India's sexiest men had an intriguing twist. John Abraham ranked number one but the surprise was number two, Amitabh Bachchan. Still sexy at 63? Why not? Even discounting the fact that movie stars have a certain aura that transcends age, older men are more desirable and are enjoying life, and its fruits, much more visibly than at any time before. Compared to our parents' generation, the goalposts have clearly shifted. Today's males no longer retire at 60. The cliché about life beginning at 50 is a reality. Fifty, in fact, is the new 40. The Page 3 section will have a predominance of older men. At parties, it's the older crowd who are hitting the dance floor. At exotic destinations or a luxury cruise the number of males in their 50s will outnumber any other age bracket. They are having fun and displaying a vigour and vitality that belies their age. It's a global phenomenon and the reasons are obvious. Medical advances have ensured that older people remain as fit and active as they were in their 30s. Proper diet, exercise, technological and pharmaceutical aids have all contributed to keeping mind and body active. In India, the older generation has benefited from an enhanced quality of life. Healthier lifestyles may have helped but unlike earlier generations, today's parents are less focused on self-denial and sacrifice and the obsession with leaving everything for the kids. The younger generation is doing fine on its own, thank you, leaving their parents with less financial obligations and more to spend on themselves. An annual consumer survey by KSA Technopak on India's baby boomers (those born between 1943 and 1953), says this group has worked hard for financial success and is now reaping the benefits. This is a segment which is economically independent and has the expendable cash to spend on high-end products and services such as luxury apartments, club memberships, entertainment and travel. According to the survey, they spend big on apparel, gifts, jewellery, eating out and vacationing. The survey portrays a group of modern, free-spending consumers whose habits mirror the rest of the adult population. Ultimately, what add to the feeling of being young are the relevant expressions of achievement and success. By that yardstick, it looks like the 50s are the time to disco. | 
