New research released today shows two thirds of older British people are missing out on new experiences which could benefit them as they age.
And what’s more, a fifth of those will never get round to the things on their wish list because they feel too old, scared or lonely to give it a go.
The research has been commissioned by WE100, a global Merck Consumer Health initiative that aims to tackle negative perceptions of ageing and help prepare society to live 100 healthy years.
With 50 percent admitting routine stops them trying new things, WE100 hopes to inspire people of all ages to try something new for the first time, and help maintain mental and physical health into old age.
TV’s Janet Street Porter, aged 70, is lending her support to the initiative as someone who attributes her own youthful demeanour to a hunger for new experiences.
She says: ‘I noticed myself I was starting to get a bit too comfortable in my daily routine – a sure sign that I was sinking into old age.
‘I’ve realised the key to ageing healthily is to be brave enough to try something new and challenge yourself. Use old age as a reason to start saying ‘yes’!’
Further MCH-commissioned research has shown that while 70 percent of Britons believe that age is just a number, nearly 80 percent agree we need to tackle our negative attitude to ageing.
Janet continues: ‘The most important thing you can do as you get older is to take control of your life. Old age is a chance to do something positive – make new friends and learn new things.’
To help combat the lack of confidence some older people may feel, WE100 is asking that everyone help spread the word of the campaign, and encouraging younger people to assist their older friends, relatives and neighbours in their new challenges.
Merck Consumer Health Managing Director Heidi Gresle says: ‘In the week that sees Dame Vera Lynn celebrate her 100th birthday, reaching a centenary is looking more likely than ever for many people.
‘It’s sad that anyone should feel positive new experiences are beyond their reach. We believe that as community-minded people we can help alleviate these feelings of isolation and fragility in the elderly, if we work together to support those around us.
‘Our employees will be supporting the campaign by volunteering their time to help elderly people in the community enjoy a new experience.’
Special WE100 benches are being installed across the UK, starting in London’s Waterloo train station, as a place for young and old to come together and share their first time stories.
For more information on the WE100 movement and to find out where the benches will be installed, visit facebook.com/WE100UK.
The top five unfulfilled new experiences in the UK are:
- Learning a new language (Spanish most popular)
- Bungee jumping
- International travel (cruising most popular)
- Flying a plane or helicopter
- Learning to dance
More unusual answers included:
- A shark cage dive
- Learning falconry
- Eating squid ink risotto
- Learning sign language
- Learning to drive a horse-drawn carriage
