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Brits prepared to sacrifice sex to live to a 10022 September 2006Britons are ready to take a vow of celibacy if it means they can chalk up a century, with 40 percent of people prepared to give sex the cold shoulder to ensure a letter from the Queen. Women would be the ones most prepared to pass up passion (48 percent) compared to just 31 percent of men in a bid to prolong life, while 39 percent of those polled would be ready to sacrifice eating and drinking whatever they wanted or travel (42 percent) to ensure they lived to 100. However, the lure of long life can't be bought at any price and there are some things people won't give up. Nine out of 10 people (94 percent) would not be ready to give up the company of friends and family, or money (74 percent). The findings are just a small part of a snapshot of ageing Britain commissioned for the Bupa Health Debate which brings together key influencers to discuss topical health issues. The Ipsos MORI research reveals that on the issue of when old age begins - the young and old are divided. The 16-24 year olds see it as commencing at 61, while those of 75 and over see it as being marked at 71. But nearly half (49 percent) agree scientists should continue to keep trying to prolong people's life spans, while 45 percent of us agree it is everyone's duty to live as long as possible. When asked about the main advantages of science being able to extend life, 16 percent said to be there for family and friends and 14 percent to see grandchildren grow up. Whatever the motivation, most of us want an easy life with two-thirds (64 percent) thinking it is more important to live life sensibly and reach a ripe old age than live fast and die young. As Britain reaches for the walking stick the survey shows that three-quarters of those questioned believe that no-one should be stopped from working no matter how old they are. And 60 percent of people remain confident they can afford to retire between 60 and 65, with women more likely to think they can hang up their work boots earlier than men. The impact of the country's ageing population is of concern to more than a third of those polled. 36 percent say society will struggle to support a growing number of older people, while nearly nine out of ten (87 percent) think the current healthcare system will need to change to cope with the boom in old age. Over half (51 percent) believe high priority should be placed on treating the very elderly on the NHS even when those resources could be used to treat younger people. Those aged 35-74 are most in agreement with this while more women (55 percent) than men (47 percent) see it as a high priority. Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, Bupa's medical director said: "Britain is facing an ageing time bomb with major challenges presented by retirement, the desire to live longer and the increasing burden of caring for older people. However, the question has to be asked can society cope, with only one in three (32 percent) believing that an ageing population brings more benefits than problems. It would appear Britain wants to have its cake with 100 candles and eat it!" The full findings of the Ipsos MORI survey are being revealed at today's Bupa Health Debate, "Three score years and… when? - how far can we prolong life and what are the implications?" which takes place at the Royal College of Physicians in London. Find out more about Bupa's Health Debate.
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