14 DAY TRIAL // A recent survey carried out among British people found out that most of them would give up extremely enjoyable activities in their lives just to be able to live for a century. Britons said in the investigation that they would happily give up sex, food and drink, all of which they love, and traveling too, if this could prolong their life span until they turn 100 of age.
Of the people in the survey, 39% said they would agree exchanging the consume of foods and drinks they like for living to be 100, 40% would give up sex and 42% traveling. On the other hand, if almost half of the 1,003 people in the survey would exchange savory meals and drinks, traveling and sex for a longer life span, 94% of Britons would not "trade" the company of close friends and family for reaching 100 years of age. Also, 75% of the people in the survey would not sacrifice money for living for a century.
The survey was carried out by Mori (Market & Opinion Research International), which is the largest independently-owned market research company in Great Britain. The poll was conducted by Mori team for Bupa (British United Provident Association), which is a UK global health and care organization. The investigation brought up to light the fact that most Britons willing to give up some of the life's most enjoyable activities for living long enough to help their families and to see their offsprings, especially grandchildren, grow up and have a fulfilled life.
"I think what we can take from this is that it shows people do want to live a longer, healthier life. They want to change their habits, but their actions do not always mirror this. What society needs is a little help in becoming healthier by cutting back on unhealthy food and drink," pointed out Angela Mawle of the Public Health Association.
Young people and old people in the study had different opinions on exactly when the old age period begins. Adolescents and individuals in their early adulthood, with ages ranging between 16 and 24, said that old age is reached by one when he/she turns 61. But elders who already hit 75 of age had a different view of old age, stating that it starts when one turns 71.
Andrew Vallance-Owen, the medical director of BUPA, concluded: "Britain is facing an aging time bomb with major challenges presented by retirement, the desire to live longer and the increasing burden of caring for older people."