Young Britons ‘ stuck in a rut by the age of 25’

BRITONS have a reputation as explorers and adventurers – but these qualities that made the country great seem in short supply among today’s young people.

Many seem stuck in a rut by the time they reach their mid- 20s.

More than a third aged 25 and over who took part in a survey admitted having no desire to try anything new. A sixth said their favourite foods, travel destinations, hobbies and friendships would remain for the rest of their lives.

Fear of being laughed at and lack of inspiration were reasons for refusing to try anything new.

Respondents said they give up once- enjoyed hobbies and more than half of women polled stopped any form of sport by the age of 30.

The findings by Virgin Active have inspired its initiative to help people find ways to stay active, developed by fitness experts, including explorer Levison Wood, Channel 4’ s Walking The Nile star.

Wood, 32, said: “Britons have a long history of discovery – it’s in our blood. There is a tendency to laugh at middle aged men who don Lycra and jump on bikes when they hit 40 – but these guys are heroes. They’re willing to leave their comfort zone.”

Psychologist Samuel Nyman, of Bournemouth University, agreed with the findings.

He said: “The older we get the less likely we are to be physically active. This is mirrored in this report linking age with waning attempts at trying new things.” In a study by the Alzheimer’s Society, responses showed people held back from trying new things by shortage of confidence, laziness and lack of time. Society chief Jeremy Hughes said: “Taking part in new activities is important for everyone.”

BRITONS lose their spirit of adventure and curiosity early in life, according to a new survey that shows more than a third of those aged 25 and over have no desire to try anything new. It seems that even young habits die hard.