WITH a mixture of free time now that the kids have grown up, a few spare pounds in their pocket and a social conscience, "baby boomers" (people born within five years of the end of World War II) are taking up exciting and interesting hobbies or attempting dare-devil challenges like no generation before them.

From Bolton, we have Elizabeth Oakes who has cycled across the Sinai Desert and walked through the Grand Canyon, former Bolton Wanderers star Paul Jones, who is about to take a team of brave souls out to the Borneo jungle and councillor Colin Shaw who took part in a 4,000 mile drive to Senegal. Elizabeth and Paul are both 52 and Cllr Shaw is 66.

They are all in their third Age (roughly 50 to 75), which is the period immediately before and immediately after retirement. This follows the First Age (birth to 25) of childhood and formal education and the Second Age (25 to 50) of working life, and precedes the Fourth Age of dependence.

A recent survey claims to have identified the "Nifty 50s", a middle-aged breed of people seeking more adventure, more luxury and more risk in their lives.

After decades of holding down a responsible job and raising a family, many are now deciding to make their own dreams come true - and they have the financial clout to do it.

Professor Arrup Bannerjee is the chairman of the Bolton Over 50s Federation and a national expert in both the medical and psychological effects of ageing.

"Throughout the globe there is a shift in the balance whereby people over 60 are exceeding those under 50," he said. "We have seen it first in the so-called "developed" world but it is now spreading to the "developing" world, Africa, Asia and South America.

"It isn't so much a matter of people in the third age taking up challenges, more the fact that health and finances now means that they are able to do what they have always done, but put more effort into it.

"The third age is a time when they are supposed to prepare themselves for the fourth age, but, instead, they are enjoying the age that they are in. They are doing it because they have achieved, in terms of bringing up a family or progressing in a career, what they wanted to achieve and they want something different now. They want to prove that they are not finished yet."

Paul Jones only fits the profile in certain ways. At 52 he has a successful career as a professional footballer behind him, and he has since been involved in the usual fundraising dinners and golf matches.

However, with a seven-year-old son, Paul considers himself to be a "house husband" these days so it is not a case of going off on an adventure now that the family has grown up.

"I was offered the chance, I feel it is a great privilege to be asked and, the more I thought about it, the more I felt that I should do it," he said.

"I think most people of any age would like to help a good cause and if they can have an adventure at the same time, then that would be great. However, it is all down to having the time and the ability."

Paul was playing golf with a number of Manchester United players when someone asked if he was interested in a trip to Borneo. "I said "yes" and the next thing I knew the telephone was ringing and I was asked to become a team leader.

"I am nowhere near as fit as when I played, of course, but I do try to keep myself fit. And what you call my celebrity status will undoubtedly help in recruiting a team and in attracting sponsorship."

A professional fund-raiser for the Children Today charity, Elizabeth Oakes was used to organising events such as coffee mornings and parachute jumps. Then, around five years ago, she began to take part in challenges herself.

"There were a number of reasons, partly because I was asking other people to do these things and partly because I just felt that I wanted to do them myself," she said.

"I want to raise money for the cause, but I can have some fun at the same time. The thrill of taking part in something like cycling across the Sinai Desert is amazing, you make friends that never leave you, raise money and have fun."

Elizabeth has now completed the cycle ride, walked the length of the Grand Canyon, done a parachute jump and attempted the Krypton Factor Assault Course.

Although she hadn"t thought about the Third Age, she understands the theory: "Certainly from a women"s point of view this is the sort of age when they have some time to themselves and it is an ideal opportunity to do something as yourself not just as a wife or mother."

It is not so much the Third age as "second childhood" for Colin Shaw, although in many ways the Bolton councillor fits the bill perfectly.

As an husband and father who was self-employed for most of his working life, it was only in his 50s that he had time for anything other than working.

In fact he was 54 when he entered Bolton Council: "I've always had a sense of adventure, eager for new experiences," said Cllr Shaw, "but I had to work to support my family. The opportunities arose in my 50s and I haven't stopped yet. I went para-gliding for the first time on holiday last year, at 65. Also, I have started writing a book.

"I was chairman of the local Young Conservatives at 16, then had no time, but stood for the council and was elected 12 years ago.

"It's wonderful - life is there for living. Too many people vegetate and it is too easy to say I can't. So long as you have your health then there is no limit."

The Third Age is not just about having fun though. Professor Bannerjee is keen for people to realise that the imbalance of ages is likely to cause real problems in a few years" time.

"Many third age people are healthier and have more stamina than in the past and still have much to offer society," he said. "Many of them continue to work after retirement. We have to think in terms of "recycling" others, perhaps even retraining into other jobs to unlock and use all that talent."

Paul Jones is to be a team leader in the PFA Soccer Legends Challenge - Borneo "05. To volunteer or to offer sponsorship money, telephone 01244 335622 or email info@children-today.org.uk

Elizabeth Oakes is constantly looking for new ways of raising money for her charity Children Today. Telephone 01244 335622 or email Elizabeth@children-today.org.uk

Cllr Colin Shaw was part of a team that drove three old cars 4,000 miles to Senegal where the cars were sold to raise money for a number of African charities. To donate, email Gambian-based treasurer Maurice Phillips at safari@gamspirit.com