Life begins at fifty-five: New study reveals how the over 55s are planning to live life to the fullest in a post-pandemic world
We have all heard the phrase ‘life begins at forty’ but according to new data by Royal London, it may seem we were well over a decade out – life now actually begins at 55!
With the world being in lockdown over the past year, Royal London polled Brits aged 55+ on how they plan to spend life post lockdown, as well as their top goals/dreams. Having analysed the results, it seems a staggering 64% of over 55s are planning to travel more in a post-pandemic world.
Whether traveling for a holiday or achieving that lifelong ambition, the study has revealed the top bucket list items for those aged 55+.
Top 10 Bucket list items revealed
33% of people aged 55+ state that they’re yet to achieve their lifelong goals due to lack of money, whilst 38% thought they would have achieved more by the time they reached 55.
When asked what bucket list items they will be chasing, the following activities came out as the top 10:
|
Top activities/experiences people want to experience |
% of respondents |
|
See the Northern Lights |
53% |
|
Travel on the orient express |
42% |
|
Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World |
36% |
|
Live/buy a house abroad |
25% |
|
Go on Safari |
22% |
|
Take a hot air balloon ride |
20% |
|
Go to a major sports event e.g., Wimbledon |
20% |
|
Drive a supercar |
16% |
|
Volunteer for a charity |
13% |
|
Go to a festival |
13% |
What has held the over 55s back from achieving their goals
Nealy half (43%) of over 55s say they will regret not achieving their bucket list items if they fail to complete them. When asked why they’re yet to achieve their lifelong goals, respondents listed lack of money, work commitments, and family commitments as the top three reasons.
The full list of reasons that have held respondents back are as follows:
|
Top factors that held respondents back from achieving their dreams
|
% of responses |
|
Lack of money
|
36.6% |
|
Work commitments
|
16.0% |
|
Family commitments
|
12.4% |
|
Poor health
|
9.4% |
|
I just never got around to planning them
|
9.1% |
|
I never found the time
|
8.8% |
|
I didn’t know where to start
|
5.1% |
