Many of us now have a lot more spare time on our hands and will be making plans for spending lockdown time.
This newly found spare time, spent at home complying with government guidelines, can prove challenging, but also a welcome opportunity to explore new hobbies and interests.
According to new research, over 60s plan to spend more time enjoying their homes and gardens.
Surprisingly, the survey found that they did not plan to spend more quality time with their significant other; perhaps an unavoidable consequence of staying at home anyway!
The research from insurer SunLife found the top plan for the coming weeks was reading more books and cleaning the house, followed by gardening.
However, less than half of those surveyed said they are looking forward to spending more time with their other half!
After gardening, 48% of over 60s said they look forward to cooking.
Overall, over 60s are feeling quite confident that they will get through the coronavirus crisis.
Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they feel well prepared for the crisis and 83% said that, if we follow official advice, we will get through it.
SunLife’s research found that 87% of over 60s say they think older people are calmer and more positive than younger generations when things go wrong.
This attitude could be due to experiences of rationing, something the younger generations have never experienced.
More than two-thirds of over 60s said the current crisis would bring some positives, in the form of reviving traditional ‘home-based’ skills like baking and gardening.
Ian Atkinson, marketing director for SunLife, said:
While we’re all adapting to new ways of living, the approach many older people are taking – to keep calm, support each other and try not to worry about things we can’t control – is really valuable.
Their advice to try and find the positives in any situation – such as the potential revival of traditional home-based activities like baking, knitting, gardening and growing your own fruit and veg – is something that could help us all.
How are you spending lockdown time?
SunLife research 8th April 2020 – Social distancing: Over 60s plan to spend more time enjoying their homes and gardens than quality time with their other half!
The information contained in this blog post does not constitute advice or recommendations. You should seek independent financial advice before acting on any information on this website.
