Travel tops bucket lists of baby boomers, survey claims

Learning a foreign language, going to more concerts and eating in a Michelin-star restaurant feature on top 30 list

Emma Elsworthy
Tuesday 09 October 2018 19:47 BST
Comments
Travelling the world topped the bucket list for over 55s, according to study
Travelling the world topped the bucket list for over 55s, according to study (AleksandarNakic/Getty iStock)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Driving Route 66, going to gigs and "getting the kids to move out" are among the top bucket list wishes for over 55s, according to a new survey.

The baby boomer generation are planning a range of adventure experiences in their retirement years, the poll found.

While “seeing the world” made the top of the list, learning a foreign language and going to more concerts also ranked highly.

Getting a tattoo, online dating and learning to swim also made the top 30, as did hiring a personal trainer and learning to play the guitar.

More than half of those surveyed said they were “confident” they will achieve their goals.

“Retirement isn’t what it used to be," said Harold Pritchard, distribution director at Legal & General Home Finance, which commissioned the survey. ''Rather than taking it easy, many of our customers look forward to having more freedom and taking on new projects and hobbies.”

The poll also found that 78 per cent of respondents believed that having life goals was important.

Eighty two per cent said they want something to aim for and 32 per cent were keen to show that, regardless of their age, they can do anything they want.

Over 80 per cent of the 2,000 adults over 55 who were polled said they “felt younger” than their actual age. Only 17 per cent said they feel their actual age or older.

Seven in 10 admitted they had a list of things they would love to tick off before they die.

Among the things which are preventing baby boomers from enjoying activities on their bucket lists are financial or time issues, along with a feeling they may now be “too old”.

About three quarters said they felt it was “important” to have aims in life.

Many of those surveyed said that life is better now than it ever has been for the older generation, with 85 per cent expressing happiness at their current situation.

SWNS

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in