Buckinghamshire bucketlists and life experiences

Feb. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- Almost three quarters (74%) of those in Buckinghamshire are already thinking about their ‘Bucket List’
New research shows how people aspire to life enriching experiences  

Traditionally the New Year brings resolutions for the year ahead but, new research from Buckinghamshire-based funeral care provider, Heritage & Sons http://www.heritageandsons.com/, has identified the life ambitions of those living in the area, and shown the popularity of Bucket Lists. The research reveals that almost three quarters (74%) of residents have either already prepared their Bucket List, are thinking about preparing one or are planning to write one  - a Bucket List being the list of things they would like to achieve or dream of doing before they die.

Topping Buckinghamshire’s Bucket Lists is world travel, with over half of people saying this is their biggest ambition (62%). 36% (285,000) want to learn to speak a foreign language, whilst 35% (271,000) of people would like to see children married or settled down. Other popular aspirations include swimming with dolphins (252,000) and having children (236,000).

Perhaps most reassuringly, however, is that in today’s society, life-enriching experiences rather than material possessions are proving most popular amongst those of all ages.

Top five aspirations on Buckinghamshire’s Bucket Lists

1.

Travel the world

2.

Learn to speak a foreign language

3.

See children married or settled down

4.

Swim with dolphins

5.

Have children

Source: Heritage & Sons

Other findings of the research reveal how family traditions, such as skills and heirlooms, continue to be passed down between generations. Jewellery was the most commonly inherited items, received by almost half (476,000). This was closely followed by those who inherited photographs or paintings (459,000), whilst 38% were passed down seasonal holiday traditions (402,000). Also featuring in the top five items most commonly passed down items were ornaments, crockery and glassware (394,000) and recipes (344,000).

Mirroring the sentimental value placed on those inherited items and traditions by previous generations, today’s society has a similar wish list to pass down to future generations but interestingly; property also plays a major part.

Top Five Inherited Family Traditions, Skills & Heirlooms

Inherited by respondents

Plan to pass down to next generation

1.

Jewellery i.e. necklaces, watch (476k)

Photographs or paintings (500k)

2.

Photographs or paintings (459k)

Jewellery i.e. necklaces, watch (488k)

3.

Seasonal holiday traditions i.e. Christmas, Easter (402k)

Property (400k)

4.

Ornaments i.e. glasses, crystal bowls, etc (394k)

Seasonal holiday traditions i.e. Christmas, Easter (353k)

5.

Recipes (344k)

Ornaments i.e. glasses, crystal bowls, etc (288k)

Source: Heritage & Sons

David Lloyd, Principal Funeral Director at Heritage & Sons, commented, “We would encourage those thinking of New Year’s Resolutions to widen their imagination this year and collate a Bucket List. Our research shows that almost three quarters of Buckinghamshire residents are thinking of their own bucket lists and this reflects the conversations we have in branch.

“We are proud to be a family owned and managed company, and so have been encouraged to see that today’s society still places an emphasis on the legacy left to family and friends.”

- Ends -

Commissioned by Heritage & Sons, ICM interviewed a sample of 2,928 adults aged 18+ in GB online between 27th July – 3rd August 2012. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. 122 respondents were interviewed in Buckinghamshire. All data is weighted to the GB population and therefore population figures are estimates.