The top 10 health wake-up call moments in life

A study that was participated in by 2,000 people revealed that the average ago to receive a wake-up call about health concerns came at 36.

17:49 23 July 2014

A recent study has revealed that the average age of 36 is when most people get a different perspective on life and start to realise that they’re not indestructible. Some of the reasons that make them think differently include a death in the family, a warning from the doctor, or seeing an unflattering photo of themselves.

Over a third of participants say that at the age of 36 they had shocking moment which changed their way of thinking and led them to become aware of mortality and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Rob Anderson, director at Spire Bristol, said: 'These findings show that by our mid-thirties, health and well-being become a much bigger priority.

'Doing something about it can be daunting prospect, but there’s lots of support designed to help people lead healthier lives.

'Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference and reassessing how we live our lives, and the value we place on healthcare, can mean huge long-term benefits.'

However, the study also found that six in ten believe that life is too short and justify their potentially unhealthy life choices even when they know that these will have long term health effects.

Meanwhile, one in ten admits that they do not exercise and one in seven deliberately ignore warnings on a regular basis to indulge in potentially damaging lifestyle choices.

The top 10 health wake-up call moments:

1. Getting older
2. I had a health scare
3. A close relative died
4. A warning from my doctor
5. Seeing a shocking photo of myself
6. A close relative fell ill
7. A TV programme about bad eating habits
8. Negative comments about my health that hit a nerve
9. I had a serious accident
10. A public health message