Old people being less like old people is leading to Age UK closing one of its Sidcup centres.

The wellbeing centre will be shut down to help the charity provide better services for a new generation of older people.

Guy Stevenson, the chief executive of the charity said: “My grandparents' generation retired to completely different expectations of ageing and independence in later life. My mother’s generation are now retiring to active engagement with social clubs, local gyms, sports clubs, active holidays abroad and multiple commitments.

“Our wellbeing centres should reflect these changes. They should be dynamic, welcoming and central to the communities that that use them or live near them.”

The charity will be working over the next few months to widen the services available and looking for new audiences.

This will mean the closure of at least one of the existing centres at Sidcup.

Geraldine Powell, Age UK Bexley chairwoman, said: “Closing one centre will give Age UK Bexley the ability to concentrate on making the remaining centres more dynamic and appropriate for the changing communities that will use them.

"Many retirees today do feel more like 40 than 65, are very independent, and have different requirements.

"I am confident we will succeed in achieving our chief executive's vision for the future of the centres and that those currently using the centres continue to value them and find the changes positive!"