When Keith Richards fell out of a coconut tree in Fiji, it was put down to rock star high jinks.
But a warning issued by the Foreign Office today shows the 64-year-old Rolling Stone is not alone when it comes to taking risks on holiday.
A growing number of over-55s are ignoring health risks and taking part in extreme sports, including bungee-jumping, parasailing and water-skiing. Yet almost two-thirds do not take out travel insurance.
The admission has prompted the Government to issue new travel advice for the more mature traveller. The Foreign Office wants them to make sure they are covered for every impulse, whatever that may be.
Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn said: 'We're all for over-55s having fun on holiday. But it is crucial that they make some simple preparations to help avoid encountering difficulties whilst abroad.
'Acquiring adequate travel insurance is a must and health scares abroad can be avoided by visiting a GP for a health check before embarking on a holiday.'
The survey was carried out on behalf of the Association of British Insurers. Researchers spoke to 1,020 people aged 55 or over and found that 20% take risks abroad that they would never contemplate at home.
One in ten said they did not follow the safety advice they would give to their own children and nearly one in five couples said that they or their partner had been injured whilst holidaying abroad.
Yet, whilst over-55s make three times as many claims on their travel insurance as younger travellers, 65% of those interviewed did not take out travel insurance on their last trip.
More than half said they drink more alcohol than usual on holiday, with a third saying they indulged even more in an all-inclusive resort.
This behaviour, say British Embassies in popular resorts, can lead to mishaps and tragedies.
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