Rise of the supergran

Britain's grandmothers are a 'fiercely independent and adventurous' bunch who feel more than 20 years younger than their real age, a survey said today.

Most enjoy exercise and own a mobile phone and almost half have a home computer.

The 21st Century Gran Survey for Yours magazine found that, despite an average age of 69, respondents feel as if they are 48.

Editor Valery McConnell said: 'Twentyfirst century grans don't let the grass grow under their feet. They look young, feel young, and act young, and live life to the full. These are the golden years.'

But her readers conformed to the traditional stereotype when it came to grandchildren.

More than 70 per cent said being a grandparent is better than being a parent, with more time to enjoy the children and no financial responsibility.

Four out of ten look after grandchildren while their parents are at work, the vast majority doing so for free.

The family help does not stop there, with a fifth saying they do or will pay towards the education of their grandchildren and 95 per cent saying they will contribute 'whatever they can afford'.

Typical of the new-look glamour granny is actress Joanne Lumley, 58, who became a grandmother last year. 'Having a grandchild really makes life complete. It's a delight,' she said.

The survey found that just under half the grans had recently been to a theme park, 15 per cent had tried one of the latest rollercoasters and seven per cent had been skinny-dipping - bathing naked

They are avid TV watchers, spending an average of five hours a day in front of the box. Their favourites include Fern Britton and David Jason.

Some 94 per cent enjoy ' dressing up for a night out' while 83 per cent like an alcoholic drink, with white wine being the favourite tipple, followed by Baileys and red wine. The figures showed that 67 per cent exercise regularly but only 12 per cent go to the gym. The most popular workout activities are dancing, keep fit - and bowls. While 62 per cent are unhappy about their weight and shape, they do not go for drastic solutions.

Seven out of ten said they would try to diet, but just two per cent had ever had cosmetic surgery and only another nine per cent said they would possibly go in for it.

Grans have not given up hope of a James Bond character sweeping them off their feet, with 56 per cent of single grandmothers saying they still hope to find love. Their ideal date would be a drive in an open-topped car with Sir Sean Connery followed by a romantic dinner with Sir Roger Moore.

The survey found that grans in Wales and the South West are 'most daring' and those in the Midlands 'most active'.

On the downside, seven out of ten said they feel it is not safe on the streets while a quarter do not feel secure in their homes.

Nine out of ten said there is too much crime, swearing and sleaze these days.