Older 'gappers' - people who take a gap year or a career break of some sort - have many different reasons for taking time out and doing something different.

According to Real Gap Year for Grown Ups, it might provide a formal career break or simply the chance to get out of the rat race and recharge their batteries. They may return to their job, or may be looking to change their life completely.

Many over 50s have reached a stage in their life where the kids have grown up and left home, responsibility for others has reduced, and they're looking for a new challenge. And often the thought of spending retirement playing golf and watching Countdown just isn't appealing. There are so many more exciting things to do!

All work and no play…
As the likelihood of a 'job for life' has decreased, more and more over 50s have followed the lead of the 18-year-olds they know and taken some time out of work to do something different. Over recent years, achieving a good work-life balance has become more important to us. So taking a significant career break is increasingly common.

There are many opportunities for exciting and useful things to do for the mature 'gapper'. The potential travel destinations are endless, and a volunteering project could be the perfect way to immerse yourself in a different culture. Some people use a gap year to study and get that qualification they've always wanted, to teach English, or perhaps even do an extended house swap and get a job or study abroad.

It's up to you
Gap years don't have to last for a whole year - you might prefer to plan a break for just a few weeks or six months. It doesn't have to be a solo affair either: many 'gappers' travel with friends, a partner, their children, or meet new people by taking part in an organised project.

Proof it can be done!
High-flyer Richard Harvey, chief executive of Aviva Insurance, took early retirement to go on the gap year he never had during younger years. The Telegraph quotes him as saying: 'Now is the right time for me to set out on my next adventure while I have the energy and desire to make a difference.'

Be prepared
The best adventures are often backed by good preparation, leaving no loose ends at home to worry about. Make sure that taking some time out is right for you - life coaches say that we should be pulled towards doing something, rather than running away from stress or boredom.

Get your financial affairs in order by talking to mortgage lenders, insurers and pension providers. It's best to leave everything well taken care of in your absence.

A breath of fresh air
When we're concerned with the running of our day-to-day lives, it can be hard to take a step back and think about what really matters to us. Having a break from the daily grind gives us space to do so.

So, why don't you take some time out to evaluate your goals and get a new perspective on life? There are countless websites, organisations and books out there to help you plan a career break or gap year. The benefits are clear, including being less stressed and more healthy, helping other people, learning new skills or about different cultures - or even just gaining renewed appreciation of what you have and the life you're taking a break from.

As Susan Griffith, author of the book Gap Years for Grown Ups, says: 'Never mind 50 being the new 40 - 50 is the new 18!'

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