Millions of Britons are cocooning themselves into thinking they are younger than they are… and they may pay a hefty price for doing so, new research released today shows.
Millions of Britons are cocooning themselves into thinking they are younger than they are… and they may pay a hefty price for doing so, new research released today shows.
Identified as the "Peter Pan Complex" - people across all age groups admit they feel and act up to 25 years younger than their real age.
The poll of 2,500 people - conducted for Norwich Union - reveals that 40% of pensioners feel like they’re in their mid forties while more than a third of people nudging 30 reckon they feel a mere 21. On average Britons say they feel 10 years younger than their real age.
But this carefree attitude to life is fuelling a serious problem – more than three quarters admit they are totally unprepared for their financial future.
The research finds that a third of people are losing sleep over how they’ll make ends meet in the future because they put off sensible spending in favour of a "live for today" attitude. Four out of five people admit they should have done something earlier to make their financial future secure.
Psychologist Dr David Lewis, author of Life Unlimited: Peak Performance Past Forty said the results indicated a worrying trend for the future; "We are living longer and feeling younger which is great for the nation’s overall mental health and wellbeing - but this could lead to a rude awakening once retirement beckons. The flipside of feeling younger than we are is that we can often neglect our responsibilities and actively put off thinking about things like saving for the future."
"Youthful exuberance is great but the research shows it is masking the financial facts of life for a lot of people who think they have years and years to sort out their future security - when in effect they should be doing it now."
Daren Carter, director of brand and promotions for Norwich Union, said: "The Peter Pan Complex is a very real phenomenon and one many people can identify with. Our latest advertising campaign is trying to say to people that you can’t live in ‘Neverland’ forever – and while financial decisions seem very ‘grown up’, they do need to be taken seriously."
The Norwich Union research also revealed the young at heart heroes of the Peter Pan generation. Madonna tops the poll with Sir Cliff Richard and Lulu taking second and third place of those deemed to be forever young.
But judged older than their years were Prime Minister Tony Blair, Prince William and Gwyneth Paltrow.
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Media contacts:
Charlotte Speedy or Matt Buchanan at QBO Bell Pottinger on 020 7861 2424
Norwich Union Press Office on 01904 452791
Notes to editors:
- Norwich Union Insurance commissioned research house 72 point to conduct a survey amongst 2,500 adults in October 2004.
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