64% of over 55s are planning to travel more post-pandemic

This is how over 55's plan to spend life post lockdown

We have all heard the phrase ‘life begins at forty’ but according to new data1 by Royal London, it may seem we were well over a decade out - life now actually begins at 55!

With the world being in lockdown over the past year, Royal London polled Brits aged 55+ on how they plan to spend life post lockdown, as well as their top goals/dreams. Having analysed the results, it seems a staggering 64% of over 55s are planning to travel more in a post-pandemic world.

Whether traveling for a holiday or achieving that lifelong ambition, the study has revealed the top bucket list items for those aged 55+.

Top 10 Bucket list items revealed

33% of people aged 55+ state that they’re yet to achieve their lifelong goals due to lack of money, whilst 38% thought they would have achieved more by the time they reached 55.

When asked what bucket list items they will be chasing, the following activities came out as the top 10:

Top activities/experiences people want to experience  % of respondents

See the Northern Lights 53%

Travel on the orient express 42%

Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World 36%

Live/buy a house abroad 25%

Go on Safari 22%

Take a hot air balloon ride 20%

Go to a major sports event e.g., Wimbledon 20%

Drive a supercar 16%

Volunteer for a charity 13%

Go to a festival 13%

What has held the over 55s back from achieving their goals

Nealy half (43%) of over 55s say they will regret not achieving their bucket list items if they fail to complete them. When asked why they’re yet to achieve their lifelong goals, respondents listed lack of money, work commitments, and family commitments as the top three reasons.

The full list of reasons that have held respondents back are as follows:

Top factors that held respondents back from achieving their dreams

   % of responses

Lack of money

  36.6%

Work commitments

  16.0%

Family commitments

  12.4%

Poor health

  9.4%

I just never got around to planning them

  9.1%

I never found the time

  8.8%

I didn't know where to start

  5.1%

Commenting on the results Louise Eaton-Terry, later life lead at Royal London, states:

“Travel and new experiences are high on the bucket lists of over-55s post-pandemic. The research also shows that nearly half would regret not achieving their bucket list, with the lack of money or work and family commitments likely to be the reason for them not achieving their goals.”

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