What we don't miss about being younger
Retirees from across the country have been involved in a national research study aimed at busting myths and negative perceptions of growing older.
The study by leading retirement housebuilder, McCarthy Stone, reveals sitting exams, enduring the daily commute and the stress of running a family, are among some of the things the older generation DO NOT miss about being younger.
Worrying about your weight, being woken up by the sound of a shrill alarm clock, and the constant juggle of childcare and work were also on the list of things retirees are glad to have left behind.
Researchers polled 1,500 adults aged 60 and over and discovered exactly what retirees are happy to have seen the back of, including ironing school uniforms on a Sunday night, trying to get on the property ladder, and hosting the family Christmas. As was spending your weekend doing DIY and the big weekly food shops.
Of those polled across the country, over 90 percent said they are happier now than they have ever been. More than 50 percent said their relationship with their spouse was at its best now – with over 40 percent saying it was due to not having the stress of work and running a family home.
But almost 70 percent simply put it down to having more time together, the poll by McCarthy Stone revealed. Just over 70 percent of those aged 60 and over said they were happy with what they had achieved in life with marriage, children, owning a home and travelling the world among the biggest accomplishments.
Fiona Brooks, Regional Sales and Marketing Director at McCarthy Stone North West, said: “Many of the things the older generation don’t miss involve work – and that comes as no surprise. We are all looking forward to the day we don’t have to endure the commute to the office and deal with the stresses that our jobs place on us.
“But it is interesting to see the stress of running a family home and the struggle to get on the property ladder also both made the list of things older people DON’T miss about being young. For many, getting older means downsizing and that’s a welcome move.”
Of the retirees polled, almost 30 percent have already downsized with 75 percent claiming it has made life much easier. A quarter of the 1,500 people asked, went as far to say it’s the best thing they ever did and they wish they had done it sooner.
Other plus points of selling-up the family home for a smaller property included cheaper utility bills, less DIY and maintenance and not being put upon to host all the big family parties. Freeing up equity in the home and having a better social life were also listed as benefits of downsizing according to the over 60s.
The poll found that nationally, 67 was the perfect age to downsize; but of those who haven’t, four in ten said they can’t face the upheaval of a move. And 15 percent said their current property has many emotional ties.
Fiona Brooks, Regional Sales and Marketing Director at McCarthy Stone North West, added: “Deciding on when to downsize takes a lot of consideration. It’s a big step, but once the decision has been made many retirees have a whole new lease of life.
“We continually receive feedback from homeowners who have made the move to McCarthy Stone, on how it has helped them to lead an independent and active lifestyle. They have no worries about safety and security and all the benefits of being in a community of like-minded individuals – no wonder they are enjoying all the freedom our later years can bring!”
All McCarthy Stone developments are carefully designed to offer homeowners the very best in independent living within a safe and secure environment; with the opportunity to benefit from companionship when desired, as well as privacy when needed.
What the Over 60s Don't Miss
- Being at work five days a week
- Having to get up to an alarm clock
- Having to be up and out the house at a certain time
- Revising for and sitting exams
- Enduring the daily commute to work
- Financial worries
- Having to dress suitably for work everyday
- Having to spend your working week with people you don’t like
- Having a boss who breathes down your neck
- Getting children up and ready for school
- Juggling work and family commitments
- Waiting for pay day
- Tidying up after the children all day long
- Worrying about what other people think
- Having awkward first dates
- Never having a lie-in
- Ironing school uniforms on a Sunday night
- Not being confident in myself
- Packing everything but the kitchen sink for family holidays
- Struggling to get on the property ladder
- Juggling after school activities and parents evening
- The stress of running a family home
- Worrying so much about my looks
- Worrying so much about what the scales say
- Cooking large family meals every night
- Competitiveness amongst friends
- Having to do DIY at the weekends
- Cooking several different meals for the family every night
- Doing a big weekly food shop
- Having to host the family Christmas
- Having to socialise with other parents
- Spending all day staring at a screen
- Being called out as an emergency breakdown service when kids breakdown
Find out more about current retirement properties for sale across the country.
