Baby boomers bucket list sees the ‘Planet Earth’ effect
12 December 2016
- Taking a safari, trekking the jungle and visiting the Artic amongst life goals at 50 plus
- Seaside living and skydiving high up on the wishlist for over 50’s whilst Sir David Attenborough pips the Queen to the crown of ‘most inspiring’ older Brit
As some 6.4million over 50’s admit to having a bucket list, data released by Co-op Funeralcare reveals that TV hit ‘Planet Earth’ is having a major influence on our later life goals.
The top 40 bucket list for over 50’s compiled by the nation’s leading funeral provider reveals that ‘Planet Earth’ inspired activities such as visiting the artic (7), going on safari (8) and a trek in the jungle (23) all feature prominently. A love of water is also a trend for the top 10, with living by the sea (1) taking a cruise (2), and swimming with dolphins (6) all high up on the list.
The top 10 Bucket list for over 50’s is:
| No. | Achievement | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live by the sea | 27% |
| 2 | Take a cruise | 23% |
| 3 | Road trip across the USA | 17% |
| 4 | Live abroad | 16% |
| 5 | Write a book | 16% |
| 6 | Swim with dolphins | 16% |
| 7 | Visit the Arctic/Antarctic | 16% |
| 8 | Go on safari | 16% |
| 9 | Learn a new language | 15% |
| 10 | Eat at a Michelin starred restaurant | 12% |
As a further nod to the popular nature documentary, when asked which of their peers inspired them most, veteran broadcaster and wildlife campaigner, Sir David Attenborough (aged 90) came out on top. Closely followed by none other than Her Majesty the Queen and Ab Fab actress and fashion icon, Joanna Lumley.
The top 10 inspirational public figures over 50:
| No. | Inspirational figure over 50 |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sir David Attenborough |
| 2 | The Queen |
| 3 | Joanna Lumley |
| 4 | Helen Mirren |
| 5 | Stephen Hawking |
| 6 | Julie Walters |
| 7 | Mary Berry |
| 8 | JK Rowling |
| 9 | Carol Vorderman |
| 10 | Sir Rod Stewart |
The top 40, also reveals the nation’s aspirations remain adventurous at 50 plus. Amongst some of the more unusual bucket list entries are sky diving, which at number 20 could see 1.4 million adults in this age group leaping from a plane, and skinny dipping which in 31st place equates to a possible 850,000 taking a dip.
Toyah Wilcox (58), pop icon and actress said:
“My career reads almost like a bucket-list. It’s been very varied and a bit crazy at times but I’ve been lucky to experience some incredible adventures along the way. From my time as a punk rocker to a movie actress and more recently, jumping off a diving board in front of millions of people to eating bugs in the Australian jungle – I can relate so some of the more extreme items on the nation’s bucket list!
"I love to push my own boundaries and defy people’s expectations - especially since turning fifty - and experience all that life has to offer, which is why my bucket-list keeps adapting as I get older. But it’s also so important to think about more serious plans too such as making a will or considering funeral wishes. That’s why I’m already planning for after I’ve gone, putting plans in place to create a music school as part of my legacy”
David Collingwood, Head of Funeral Operations at the Co-op said:
“Living for the moment is very much on the agenda after 50 plus. Our over 50’s bucket list demonstrates an increasing ambition to experience a life well lived and create good memories both for ourselves and with those we hold dear.
“Though many of the achievements on our bucket list are a once in a lifetime opportunity, often we see that it is the everyday memories which can trigger a smile and lead families to still speak our name long after we are gone.”
Notes to editors
*Research conducted by Co-op Funeralcare in November and December 2016 amongst UK adults (sample of over 50’s - 1,186 adults)
Full top 40 – Over 50’s Bucket List
| No. | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Live by the sea |
| 2 | Take a cruise |
| 3 | Road trip across the USA |
| 4 | Live abroad |
| 5 | Write a book |
| 6 | Swim with dolphins |
| 7 | Visit the Arctic / Antarctic |
| 8 | Go on safari |
| 9 | Learn a new language |
| 10 | Eat at a Michelin starred restaurant |
| 11 | Take grandchildren to Disneyland |
| 12 | Stay at the Ritz |
| 13 | Drive on a race track |
| 14 | Buy an open top car |
| 15 | Learn to fly |
| 16 | Build a house |
| 17 | Downsize |
| 18 | Buy a boat |
| 19 | Buy a caravan |
| 20 | Skydive |
| 21 | Take a degree / go back to college |
| 22 | Ride a horse |
| 23 | Trek in the jungle |
| 24 | Watch the sunset in Ibiza |
| 25 | Change career |
| 26 | Get a tattoo |
| 27 | Get married |
| 28 | Climb a mountain |
| 29 | Attend a music festival |
| 30 | Go white water rafting |
| 31 | Go skinny dipping |
| 32 | Kick around on my home club pitch |
| 33 | Own a sit-on lawnmower |
| 34 | Have plastic surgery |
| 35 | Set up a charity |
| 36 | Release a record |
| 37 | Run a marathon |
| 38 | Take up a new sport |
| 39 | Go on a blind date |
| 40 | Have a hair transplant |
For media enquiries please contact:
Emily Dalton: Emily.dalton@co-operative.coop / 07738621201
Lauren Hoult: Lauren.hoult@co-operative.coop / 07702505626