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A recent report shows that many middle aged adults are at risk of disease because they are overweight, drink too much alcohol and don’t do enough exercise. However, research by Saga shows that the over 50s recognise they need to take action when it comes to their health and are committed to doing something about it in 2017.

A poll of more than 9,000 over 50s shows that around one in three want to lose weight in the New Year and the same number of people want to kick start a new exercise regime and get fit in 2017. One in five say they are overhauling their diet as they want to eat healthier and one in ten are vowing to drink less alcohol in the year ahead.

The over 50s don’t just want to give themselves a makeover in 2017 as one in six want to do up their house, whether that’s giving their home a lick of paint or fitting a new kitchen or bathroom. Furthermore, 8% of people want to sort out their finances in the New Year so that their money is working harder for them.

Other things on the over 50s New Year’s resolutions list are spending more time with family and friends (12%), volunteering for a charity (9%), starting a new hobby (4%) and learning a language (4%).

However, perhaps two fifths of over 50s are realists as they say they’re not planning on setting themselves any New Year’s resolutions. In fact, its men who are the least likely to set themselves goals for 2017 as half haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions, compared to two fifths of women.

People in the North East are the most likely to set themselves New Year’s Resolutions, while over 50s in Yorkshire and Humber are the least likely to adopt a ‘new year, new me’ attitude.

Paul Green, director of communications at Saga, commented: “2017 is going to be a busy year for the over 50s as they want to do something good for themselves by losing weight and getting fit, do something good for their future by sorting out their finances and do good for others by giving back to society and volunteering for a charity.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

*Populus interviewed 9,128 people aged 50 and over online between 13^th and 19^th December 2016. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For more information visit www.populus.co.uk.