Brits prioritise sleep over sex and don’t want to live forever

The online survey was conducted in 25 markets to 14,000 adults aged 18+ and reveals that one in three Brits (34.1%) up to the age of 54 are prioritising sleep and mental health (35.4%) over sex (15.5%) in their quest for a longer life. It was conducted by Roundglass, a foundation dedicated to transforming global wellbeing through holistic approaches and the Oxford Longevity Project, a non-profit organisation.

The survey found that over a quarter of Britons (27%) are dissatisfied with their sex lives, with one in seven (15%) reporting they have no sex life at all. The UK ranks just behind Japan, known for its low birth rates, in terms of disinterest in sex.“Good sex increases levels of mood improving molecule oxytocin proven to be vital to a healthy, long life so it is disappointing to see sexual intimacy is not a priority in people’s lives” noted Denis Noble, Co-Founder of the Oxford Longevity Project.

According to the study, only one-third of Brits (30%) actually desired to live forever if they could. To achieve this, their thoughts on living longer is not on traditional aspects like diet and exercise but on getting enough sleep (34%), maintaining mental health (35%) and ensuring financial security (36%).

More alarmingly, the study underscores a growing mental health crisis and a loneliness epidemic in the UK, posing significant challenges to longevity. One in five respondents cite poor mental health as a barrier to living a longer, healthier life, a figure that rises to one in three among those under 55. Despite this, there is a general reluctance towards psychotherapy in the UK, with over half (56%) expressing no interest in counselling services.

Loneliness is a top concern, with eight out of ten (84%) of respondents under 55 fearing it as they age. Other prominent fears included the deterioration of physical health and financial insecurity, which is why brits also rank among the world's highest in their fear of ageing. Key concerns include the deterioration of physical health, financial insecurity, and loneliness.

Unveiling the findings at Oxford University earlier this year, Sunny Gurpreet Singh, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Roundglass adds “Global consumers are increasingly aware of their longevity. How well we live today determines how we age, and we all want to age healthily. If we want to live well and live long, we must do so effectively and holistically."

Leslie Kenny, Co-Founder of the Oxford Longevity Project and Founder and CEO of Oxford Healthspan said: “Understanding longevity is crucial for improving our quality of life as we age. This study also highlights the importance of focusing on preventative measures and holistic wellbeing to not only extend our lifespan but also enhance our healthspan. By integrating science-backed strategies into our daily lives, we can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards a healthier, more vibrant future. The insights from this study, in collaboration with Roundglass, provide valuable guidance on how we can collectively work towards achieving longer, healthier lives.”

For more information on The Global Longevity Survey, visit: https://oxfordlongevityproject.org/