Over-55s are desperate to go skydiving, cage diving with sharks and skinny dipping, poll reveals | The Sun

MATURE Brits are desperate to go skydiving, cage diving with sharks and hold a venomous snake.

A poll of 2,000 adults aged 55 and over revealed the top 40 things they still want to achieve in their lifetime.

The wish list includes paragliding, tornado chasing, skinny dipping and sleeping in a jungle.

And going to space, diving to a shipwreck and exploring an abandoned building are also popular options.

But despite 87 per cent having a list of exciting activities they want to do, 50 per cent are concerned they won't achieve many of their life goals.

And they put this down to lack of money (43 per cent), their age (36 per cent), and health issues (27 per cent).

READ MORE UK NEWS

Road rage mum mows down stranger in Tesco car park after row over reversing

Exact date snow to fall as Brits brace for icy blast with wild winds next week

The study was commissioned by meal delivery company Wiltshire Farm Foods, which has teamed up with 79-year-old Arlene Philips to launch the Wishlist Fund.

The initiative allows seniors to apply for the chance to "make their dreams come true" – by crossing off activities from their own bucket lists.

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge said: "There is so much to do and see and it’s about time we all got out there to do it – it’s about how you feel inside, not what your age dictates.

"After all, age is just a number.

Most read in The Sun

AWKS!

Strictly's Richie Anderson breaks down in tears during 'tense' It Takes Two interview

WE'RE BACK!

Back to the Future fans in tears as Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd reunite

'KILLER' NURSE

Nurse ‘injected babies with air & insulin in 'multiple bids to murder them'

odd attire

BBC Breakfast viewers have a big complaint about host's outfit

"We’re seeing even more and more mature adults going above and beyond to achieve the goals they want in life – from skinny dipping, to sky dives, and other crazy activities.

"I’d love to see more people live out their lifelong dreams in their mature years and embrace the freedom that older age brings.

"Life is for living, so live it."

It also emerged 72 per cent believe there is a stereotype around older individuals being less adventurous, with 84 per cent of those keen to break the stigma.

While 32 per cent want to prove someone their age can still achieve all the things they want, according to the OnePoll data.

And 55 per cent think it’s more impressive seeing someone in their 50s doing something new compared to those in their 20s.

TOP 40 GOALS OVER 55s WANT TO ACHIEVE IN LIFE

1.            Visit Australia

2.            Visit all eight new wonders of the world

3.            Fly in first or business class

4.            Swim with dolphins

5.            Drive along Route 66 in America

6.            Write a novel

7.            Go travelling

8.            Live in another country

9.            Reunite with a lost best friend

10.          See a shooting star

11.          Do a skydive

12.          Meet a Royal

13.          Go to space

14.          Rent a wildly expensive car for an afternoon

15.          Cycle through Europe

16.          Walk on the red carpet

17.          Cage diving with Sharks

18.          Dive to a shipwreck

19.          Explore an abandoned building

20.          Sleep in the jungle

21.          Climb a mountain

22.          Try surfing

23.          Stay in VIP camping at Glastonbury

24.          Go paragliding

25.          Chase a tornado

26.          Walk on the wing of a plane

27.          Get a tattoo

28.          Go skinny-dipping

29.          Release an album

30.          Swim in ice cold water

31.          Run the London Marathon

32.          Cycle to Paris

33.          Go on stage at a music festival

34.          Ride a motorbike

35.          Be on a reality TV show

36.          Run a 10k 

37.          Join a band

38.          Do a one-armed press up

39.          Swim the English channel

40.          Hold a venomous snake

"Bold age" adventurer Mercy Baggs, 90, from Wiltshire, has jumped out of a plane not once but twice and plans to do another once she hits 95.

She said: "When it comes to anything these days I just think, why not?

"It’s so important to embrace life as you get older and the freedom that comes with it.

"I could never have done any of my skydives while I was working and its only in my mature years that I’ve been able to do whatever I want.

"My children, grandchildren and husband are always wondering what’s next."

The Wishlist Fund is open to anyone over the age of 55 – the deadline for applications is October 25.

A spokesperson added: "It’s clear those over the age of 55 want to be just as active as the younger generation and are determined to complete as many life goals as possible before they reach their limit.

Read More on The Sun

Martin Lewis reveals way to calculate running cost of household appliances

My daughter’s been asking to dye her hair – I gave in but trolls slammed me

"But as research showed almost half of the nation don’t feel confident that they will fulfil their bucket list goals – be it because of money, time or confidence.

"We want to step in and get those lists ticked by facilitating the older generation’s most cherished desires."


Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Win a luxury Natici Comfology mattress worth up to £2,095 in Sun Selects' competition | The Sun
Next post Peter Andre told his kids theyre beautiful after edited pic confusion