20 January 2023 , 12:43
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Running a marathon, doing a skydive, and learning how to fly a plane are among the top 50 bucket list activities – for over-50s, a study has found.
More than half of those (53%) who have passed the big 5-0 believe that “age is just a number” – with 62% more keen to embrace new things as they get older.
Some of the other daring activities that the older generation are raring to try include getting a tattoo, swimming the Channel, and going surfing.
And it seems it is never too late to pick up a new skill – as over-50s are also keen to master a new language, learn an instrument they've always wanted to play, and even get a degree.
The poll of 2,000 adults aged 50 and over found that 47% claim to have a new outlook on life – with two-thirds affirming that you are only as old as you feel.
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More than half of over-50s believe that age is just a number (Staysure)Ryan Howsam, founder and CEO at Staysure, which commissioned the survey, said: “We all know being 50 isn’t old, but most of us regard it as one of life’s milestones.
“It’s great to see people of this age and older adopting a zest for life, and fulfilling life-long ambitions.
“As the research suggests, this is because they now have more time for themselves, and feel ready to take on new challenges.”
More than half (52%) think it’s important to have aspirations, with three in ten more likely to fulfil these now they are at a later stage in life.
Reasons for this include having more spare time (62%), retirement (43%), and no longer having children who live at home (37%).
It’s also important for three-quarters (73%) to have these ambitions so there is something for them to aim for – while 35% are keen to show people that there are no restrictions once you turn 50.
Furthermore, a quarter said their 20s was when they had the most life ambitions – but only 14% were able to achieve these during that decade.
Since getting older, nearly half (49%) have gained a new perspective on things – making them more driven to achieve their ambitions and try new experiences.
The OnePoll study also found a third are considered by others as someone who embraces life and is not afraid to do something new.
One in ten over-50s feel liberated when they get on a pair of skis (Staysure)Encouragingly, 71% still consider themselves “young” – with 82% of those who agreed with this statement aged 75 or older.
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More than three in ten (31%) now find themselves feeling less bored compared to when they were younger, with two-thirds (67%) confident that time is still on their side to fulfil life-long goals.
Interestingly, when it comes to winter sports holidays, nearly a fifth (19%) believe there is no age limit when taking up such activities, with a tenth feeling liberated when they get on a pair of skis.
Due to these findings, and with ski season now in full flow, Staysure has decided to trial a ski school for the over-50s, to promote its “no upper age limit” winter sports cover.
It champions skiers of every age, and equips them with all the skills and advice they need before hitting the slopes and embarking on a winter sports holiday.
Ryan Howsam added: “We hope our brand-new ski school demonstrates that age should never limit one’s sense of adventure, and you are never too old to try new things.
“Age shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying something they’re passionate about, or block them from trying out new things.”
TOP 50 ACTIVITIES OVER-50s INTEND TO DO:
- Travel more
- Retire
- Make new friends
- Pay off the mortgage
- Go to more gigs and concerts
- Downsize my home
- Master a foreign language
- Overcome a fear
- Move to the countryside
- Write a book
- Take up yoga
- Eat in a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Learn a musical instrument
- Move abroad
- Move to a different city
- Upsize my home
- Join a gym
- Buy my dream car
- Take up painting
- Start dating again
- Climb a mountain
- Get a tattoo
- Choose a new career
- Run a marathon
- Learn how to ballroom dance
- Buy a motorbike
- Get a personal trainer
- Do a skydive
- Get my kids to move out
- Try surfing
- Cycle a mountain
- Have facial cosmetic surgery e.g. Botox or a face lift
- Get a degree
- Drive on a racetrack
- Ride a rollercoaster
- Get a six-pack
- Learn to swim
- Try online dating
- Take up samba lessons
- Learn how to fly a plane
- Get my kids to move in
- Take up skiing/snowboarding
- Have liposuction or a tummy tuck
- Try hang-gliding
- Set up an Instagram page
- Swim the Channel
- Try kickboxing
- Perfect a hand-stand
- Have a boob job
- Set up a Tinder profile