RESEARCH: Only 20% of over 50s have a ‘bucket list’ for their retirement years

As freedom from the ‘9 to 5’ routine looms, the prospect of extended leisure time is welcome food for thought for those approaching pension age. But despite the perfect opportunity for people to realise the dreams they haven’t previously had the time or money for, why are so few making a bucket list?

A recent survey carried out by retirement specialist, Age Partnership, has revealed that only 20% of over 50s have a ‘bucket list’ for their retirement years.

The findings follow a 2016 report conducted by media company, Forbes, which found that multiple factors contribute to this happy chapter in people’s lives. From mapping out an income plan, through to speaking with family and considering pastimes that will fill the hours, there’s lots to consider as retirement years approach. But top of the Forbes list was “Figure out in advance what you want out of retirement.”

A bucket list would therefore seem the perfect place to start.

According to the Age Partnership research, travel – perhaps unsurprisingly – ranks top for the over 50s who have a bucket list. In fact, 53% cite this as their number one aspiration. Of all travel plans, seeing the Northern Lights is the most popular, whilst driving on Route 66 also features. Closer to home, staying at the Shard makes the list, whilst, less conventionally, one adventurous soon-to-be-retiree has set his sights on Base Camp at Mount Everest.

Learning to fly, mastering a new language and watching a whale shark in the wild are also revealed as part of the master plan for the more ambitious research participants. One person surveyed even said they’d like to completely demolish their house and start from scratch to create their very own ‘grand design’.