Brits over 40 have revealed the health habits they wish they’d prioritised in their younger years – and say it’s not too late for the younger generation to take action
A recent poll has revealed that many Brits over 40 regret not prioritising their health in their younger years.
The survey, commissioned by Specsavers for Tinnitus Awareness Week, found that nearly 19% wish they had taken better care of their hearing and would advise the younger generation to always bring earplugs to concerts.
A significant 58% emphasised the importance of staying active, even if it’s just regular walking. Others expressed regret over neglecting self-care habits like wearing sunscreen – even in the winter – staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.
In addition to blasting music on full volume, other regrets included skipping regular health check-ups, not starting a skincare routine earlier, as well as ignoring mental health issues.
A large 65% admit they ignored potential health conditions before turning 30 and have now have them resurface later in life. This was as a result of rarely or never protecting their hearing in loud environments and skipping regular health check-ups.
Many blamed lack of awareness of long-term consequences, and knowledge about preventative care as top reasons for their ‘health naivety’.
DJ Woody Cook, who suffers from tinnitus, has emphasised the significance of hearing care, stating: “Without a doubt, my tinnitus is from listening to loud music. As a DJ, my hearing is crucial. I wish I’d known earlier about the risks and protected my hearing better.
“But it’s not too late, and with the right hearing protection, I’m able to stop my tinnitus from getting any worse.”
The study discovered that 42% of older adults rated their hearing as average or poor, with 63% occasionally experiencing tinnitus. This underscored the need for increased awareness about hearing protection and preventative measures.
Specsavers’ chief audiologist, Gordon Harrison, remarked: “When you’re young, prioritising your health can take a backseat to work and socialising. But many adults now wish they had been more proactive—whether in staying active, getting enough sleep, having regular eye tests, or protecting their hearing.
“Tinnitus is a growing issue, with huge numbers of adults experiencing the condition. While it is not known exactly what causes tinnitus, exposure to loud noise can trigger the condition, and that’s why protecting your hearing is so important.”
TOP HEALTH TIPS BRITS OVER 40 WOULD TELL THEIR YOUNGER SELVES:
- Drink more water every day
- Prioritise regular exercise, even if it’s just walking
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid smoking entirely
- Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days
- Get enough vitamin D
- Do not ignore your mental health
- Don’t skip regular eye exams
- Always wear sunglasses – even in winter
- Start a skincare regime early
- Take better care of my hearing
- Don’t skip regular hearing checks
- Don’t have your headphones at full blast
- Wear earplugs to gigs
