Brits Hit Snooze on Sex: Sleep and Mental Health Take Priority in UK’s Longevity Goals
The world’s first global study into longevity reveals Brits prioritise sleep over nearly everything, especially sex.
Oxford, United Kingdom, 2nd July 2024 – The first ever Global Longevity Study, conducted by Roundglass Giving, a foundation dedicated to transforming global wellbeing through holistic approaches and the Oxford Longevity Project, a non-profit organisation making the latest research and best practice in longevity accessible to all, highlights the key factors Britons believe are essential for longevity.
The global study reveals that Brits up to the age of 54 are prioritising sleep (34.1%) and mental health (35.4%) over sex (15.5%) in their quest for a longer life. Across generations and genders only Male Millennials (28-43) in the UK places sex at a higher priority than sleep.
According to the study, one-third of Brits (30%) desire to live forever if they could. To achieve this their focus is not on traditional aspects like diet and exercise but on getting enough sleep (34%), maintaining mental health (35%), and ensuring financial security (36%). These findings are in stark contrast to the minimal importance they place on sex and spirituality.
Decline in Sexual Satisfaction
The survey, which spans 25 global markets, found that 27% of Britons are dissatisfied with their sex lives, with 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.
Mental Health Crisis and Loneliness
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, with 56.4% expressing no interest in counselling services. However, the importance of mental health is widely recognized, with 77.4% equating its significance to physical health in maintaining a good quality of life.
Loneliness is a top concern, with 84% of respondents under 55 fearing it as they age. Other prominent fears included the deterioration of physical health and financial insecurity.
Fear of Ageing
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. Despite these fears, nearly half (47%) of the respondents claimed total responsibility for their health and wellbeing, with a higher percentage of those aged 55 and older (69%) doing so compared to 33% of younger respondents. Over 60% of Brits express a willingness to make changes towards a healthier, longer life, and 37% are actively thinking about improving their lifestyles. This sense of personal responsibility is crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles and preventive care.
Unveiling the findings at Oxford University, Sunny Singh, a US-based tech and wellness entrepreneur and founder of Roundglass which initiated the study said: “Longevity isn’t just about living long; it’s about living well every single year, which in turn extends our life. The mental health crisis and loneliness epidemic in Britain are the biggest hurdles to longevity. Its health systems, particularly the NHS, must shift focus from merely treating illness to preventing it. After experiencing burnout myself and seeing how sick the US is, I know that a holistic lifestyle, emphasising mental resilience, informed dietary choices, adequate sleep, stress reduction, and exercise, is crucial for a long and healthy life.”
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 highlights the importance of focusing on preventative measures and holistic wellness 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.”
Further information
For more detailed findings about the study join us on 28th and 29th June for the press launch dinner at Rhodes House and complimentary access to the Smart Aging Summit in Oxford where experts will discuss how you can add extra years to your life.
Speakers include: Dr Ghada Al Salahm Head UK Space Innovation Lab and Principal Investigator, Botnar, Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford; Sir Christopher Ball, Academic, Poet & Former Warden of Keble College, University of Oxford; Professor Robin Choudhury, Oxford Heart Centre, Oxford University; Sir Muir Gray, former NHS Chief Knowledge Officer; Dr Sandra Kaufmann, Anaethesiologist and author of The Kaufmann Protocol, Longevity Doctor, Miami; Nikolina Lauc, Founder or GlycanAge, biological age testing company; Professor Denis Noble, Systems Biologist & Emeritus Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology, University of Oxford; Dr Sovan Sarkar, University of Birmingham; Dr Sasi Senga, Neurosurgical Oncologist, University of Oxford.
For interview requests and to RSVP please contact:
Alice Dogeruyal
Notes to Editors
About the Global Longevity survey
The Global Longevity survey, conducted in April and May 2024, covers attitudes, habits, hopes, and fears towards longevity across 25 markets, including the Blue Zones. It includes insights into government policy, finances, pensions, and community influences on longevity. The countries covered in the survey were: UK, USA, India, Canada, Australia, China, Indonesia, Finland, Japan, Costa Rica, South Korea, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Greece, Italy, Denmark, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Taiwan, South Africa and UAE. The online survey was conducted in 25 markets to 1,000 adults aged 18+. The sample in each market was nationally representative based on interlocking age and gender quotas.
About Roundglass
Founded by visionary techpreneur Gurpreet “Sunny” Singh, Roundglass Giving aims to transform global wellbeing by integrating physical and mental health, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability. Singh’s journey began with the realisation that healthcare must prioritise prevention and holistic wellbeing, which he now promotes through the Roundglass Living app, providing science-backed tools for stress relief, better sleep, improved diet, and stronger relationships. For more information please visit: https://roundglassliving.com/
The Oxford Longevity Project
The Oxford Longevity Project mission is to make the latest breakthroughs & best practices in longevity accessible to all by bridging high science with actionable information for both medical practitioners and the public. For more information please visit: https://oxfordlongevityproject.org/about-us
Biographies
About Sunny Singh
Gurpreet “Sunny” Singh, from Punjab, India, is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist who has profoundly influenced the global healthcare and wellness sectors. After earning dual Master’s degrees in engineering in the U.S., Sunny founded Edifecs in 1996, transforming it from a garage startup into a leading healthcare technology firm. Under Sunny’s leadership, Edifecs became a key player in healthcare IT, serving over 350 organisations, including BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and Humana. In 2020, the company secured a $1.4 billion investment from TA Associates and Francisco Partners. Experiencing burnout, Sunny recognized that wellness involves more than disease treatment. In 2014, he founded Roundglass Giving, a social enterprise dedicated to holistic wellbeing, integrating physical, mental, spiritual, financial, and environmental health and to take his vision out to the world he created the only science-based holistic app, Living.
About Leslie Kenny
Leslie Kenny was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus at age 39 and given 5 years to live. Today, at age 58, she has outlived her diagnosis by over a decade and has a GycanAge of 21. She is an autoimmune patient advocate and fierce believer in empowering the patient to make lifestyle changes to positively impact health outcomes, while also getting the latest lab science into the hands of clinicians who can develop protocols for patients faster. She is the Co-Founder of the Oxford Longevity Project and Founder and CEO of Oxford Healthspan,a nutraceutical company commercialising science-backed molecules that slow the ageing process.
Annex
