PixabayAlthough twentysomethings may sometimes feel life is a stressful bundle of dating disasters and hungover Sundays, these are indeed the carefree years.
New research shows how those in their late teens, twenties and early thirties tend to have a more adventurous, ‘devil may care’ approach to life which allows them to take risks.
Think of those free-spirited gap year types who take time out to backpack across the world, or the brave young things who spend their downtime bungee jumping for charitable causes.
Sadly, this sense of invincibility cannot last forever. Once people approach their mid-thirties, they begin to mellow considerably, having a greater awareness of their physical vulnerability.
Warner Bros. PicturesThis research from OnePoll – which surveyed 2,000 adults – found how 36% of people find risk taking less appealing as they hit their thirties.
More than one third found starting a family gave their life a more chilled-out pace, whereas a sensible 15% were wary of trying out dangerous activities for fear this would impact their career.
However, there are still some wild Brits who just cannot be tamed. Even after the heady years of youth are over, three out of ten of us still thirst after thrill seeking experiences.
Indeed, one in ten of us go against the grain, becoming more daring as they get older. As someone who still gets a bit freaked out by the log flume at Alton Towers, I am hoping I too will one day fall into this category…
MTVOne in five of those quizzed said trying out an extreme activity gave them a happy glowing feeling afterwards. Although a fifth feel frightened during the activity, two thirds believe the adrenaline rush was the main emotion.
Blokes are generally more likely to embrace their daring side than women, who are more likely to keep extreme activities at an arm’s length. Men are also nearly twice as likely to have been hurt after extreme sports such as skiing, rock climbing and mountain biking. Ouch.
Dave general manager Luke Hales – who commissioned the research for the launch of Ross Noble: Off Road – has said:
We’ve loved watching Ross put himself through physical and mental anguish for Off Road.
The survey shows nearly a third of Brits still crave the rush of adrenaline that extreme activities provide, and that there’s no reason to slow down.
Hales added:
Watching Ross take on one of the toughest challenges motorbiking has to offer is an aspirational – and often hilarious – show.
He took it extremely seriously, even taking his coach on tour with him. I hope it is more entertaining for Dave viewers to watch than it was for Ross to experience!
Paramount PicturesRoss Noble: Off Road follows Geordie comic and bike enthusiast Ross Noble tackling the notorious Scottish Six Days Trial.
This trial is a true test of stamina and daring. Ross will be racing 100 miles a day alongside some of the most talented bikers around.
At 41-years-old, it seems Ross is certainly going against type, becoming more thrill-seeking as the years go by.
FremantleMediaDaredevils and wusses alike can catch Ross Noble: Off Roadseries from Dave 7 December.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.