One in three over-60s are trying new things to 'catch up' on their youth

A third of Brits over 60 are keen to makeup for lost time and experience the things they missed out on in their youth.

A survey of 900 adults aged 60 and above revealed that 73% couldn't do everything they wanted to when growing up due to financial constraints.

Work commitments held back 59%, while a lack of confidence affected 37%. Now, almost half (45%) are determined not to get stuck in a monotonous routine.

Consequently, 31% are booking spontaneous holidays, 13% have attended their first music festival in their sixties or later, and 8% are even considering trying scuba diving for the first time.

The study, commissioned by eye surgery specialist Newmedica ahead of National Eye Health Week (23-29 September), also found that 45% fear losing their independence due to issues like deteriorating eyesight.

Eye surgeon Nigel Kirkpatrick commented: "Our research shows how much opportunity there is to live life to its fullest as you get older, and how looking after your health and maintaining good eyesight can give you a greater quality of life."

"If you don't have your sight, even simple tasks can be a challenge having good-quality vision shouldn't be an afterthought, even as you get older."

"You should be able to enjoy every moment without compromising, and taking care of your vision means it will stand the test of time for longer."

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The study revealed that 47% of people are keen to eliminate as many health concerns as possible so they can fully enjoy their future.

A significant 57% are eager to continue trying new things to positively impact their mental health, while 51% believe it will enhance their cognitive abilities as they age.

A large 79% believe that the quality of their sight is directly tied to their quality of life.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll, found that 66% of respondents noticed a decline in their eyesight as they got older, with 58% of these admitting this has hindered them from taking on new challenges.

Separate research, supported by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, estimates that 30% of individuals aged 65 years or older will develop a visually impairing cataract in one or both eyes.

Mr Kirkpatrick, from Newmedica, which offers lens replacement treatment, commented: "How we live our life is heavily dictated by our health, so it's important to put it first."

"Cataracts are a common condition which affect a number of older adults, but our research showed that more than three-quarters of people over 60 are unaware there are solutions available to help correct this."

"You can't expect your health or your eyes to just take care of itself and, like with anything, getting the best quality of care will give you the best results and last longer."