65% ignored a potential health condition before the age of 30 (Image: Getty Images)
A recent poll has revealed that Brits over 40 often regret not prioritising their health in their younger years, wishing they had taken better care of their hearing, skin, and mental health, and adopted healthier habits earlier.
The survey, conducted by Specsavers for Tinnitus Awareness Week, found that nearly one in five (19%) regret not protecting their hearing when they were younger, while 12% would advise the younger generation to always bring earplugs to concerts.
In addition, 58% said they would stress the importance of staying active, even if it’s just regular walking, while others regretted neglecting key self-care habits like wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.
Other regrets included skipping regular health check-ups, not starting a skincare routine sooner (27%), and ignoring mental health struggles (31%).
Many now acknowledge the long-term consequences of these choices, with 65% admitting they ignored a potential health condition before the age of 30 – only to see it worsen later in life.
Poor awareness of preventative care and the long-term impact of bad habits were cited as reasons for their “health naivety.”
12% urge youngsters to use earplugs (Image: Getty Images)
The poll also highlighted that 73% rarely or never protected their hearing when exposed to loud environments in their youth, and 61% skipped regular health check-ups altogether.
DJ Woody Cook, who suffers from tinnitus, has emphasised the significance of hearing care, stating: “Without a doubt, my tinnitus is from listening to loud music. As a DJ, my hearing is crucial. I wish I’d known earlier about the risks and protected my hearing better.
“But it’s not too late, and with the right hearing protection, I’m able to stop my tinnitus from getting any worse.”
The issue of hearing health is particularly pertinent among older adults, with 42% rating their hearing as average or poor and 63% occasionally experiencing tinnitus. And these statistics show the need for increased awareness around hearing protection and preventative measures.
Specsavers’ chief audiologist, Gordon Harrison, remarked: “When you’re young, prioritising your health can take a backseat to work and socialising. But many adults now wish they had been more proactive—whether in staying active, getting enough sleep, having regular eye tests, or protecting their hearing.
“Tinnitus is a growing issue, with huge numbers of adults experiencing the condition. While it is not known exactly what causes tinnitus, exposure to loud noise can trigger the condition, and that’s why protecting your hearing is so important.”