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The Independent UK

National

Grant Bailey

Most Britons lose carefree approach to life and become more sensible at 34, study says

The majority of people are said to become more cautious, but some still take risks in hobbies like extreme sports Shutterstock

The average Briton loses their carefree attitude towards life and becomes more sensible at the age of 34, a study has found.

Research revealed that after adopting a 'devil may care' approach through our late teens, 20s and early 30s we start to lose our 'cloak of invincibility' as we reach our mid 30s.

Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, a reserved two in five think their taste for adventure has mellowed over time.

And half said they've become more aware of their physical fragility as time has worn on.

Another 36 per cent revealed taking risks simply stopped appealing to them as much as it used to as they reached their 30s.

Over one third felt starting a family had slowed the pace of their lives, and 15 per cent wouldn't risk taking part in a dangerous activity in case it affected their career.

However, three in ten Brits still believe the thrill-seeking side of their personality has yet to be tamed by the march of time, and a bolshy one in ten think they have become more daring as the years have ticked on.

Luke Hales, Dave general manager, which commissioned the research to launch Dave's new series Ross Noble: Off Road, said: "We've loved watching Ross put himself through physical and mental anguish for Off Road.

"The survey shows nearly a third of Brits still crave the rush of adrenaline that extreme activities provide, and that there's no reason to slow down."

The study also uncovered the thrill-seeking activities Brits try their hand at before adopting a more cautious approach to life.

Despite the possible danger, one in six has had a go at at skiing, and a fifth have chalked up their palms to go rock climbing at some stage in their lives.

A third have taken the wheel of a go-kart and one in five have hurled themselves down a woody trail on a mountain bike.

Given the chance to indulge in some adrenaline-pumping activities, scuba diving is the risky sport which most appealed to thrill-seekers, followed by Go-Karting and sky diving.

Free climbing - which involves scaling a rock face without the use of supporting ropes - was rightly considered the most dangerous extreme activity in the study.

Cliff jumping and base jumping continued the theme of risking it all at great heights to round out the top three most dangerous sports.

Windsurfing, snowboarding and BMXing meanwhile are considered to be on the safer side of the extreme activity spectrum.

When asked to describe the emotions they feel when participating in a risky sport or activity, a fifth admitted to experiencing fear, though two thirds agreed the rush of adrenaline was the overriding feeling of the experience.

And one in five of those surveyed by OnePoll said taking part in an extreme activity gave them a feeling of happy glow afterwards.

Men are more likely to indulge their daredevil side than women, and women are more likely to avoid extreme activities all together.

Men are also almost twice as likely as women to have already suffered an injury due to taking part in an extreme sport.

Luke Hales added: "Watching Ross take on one of the toughest challenges motorbiking has to offer is an aspirational - and often hilarious - show.

"He took it extremely seriously, even taking his coach on tour with him. I hope it is more entertaining for Dave viewers to watch than it was for Ross to experience!"

Dave's new three part series Ross Noble: Off Roadseries, will air from Wednesday 7th December on Dave.

It sees comedian and famed bike lover Ross Noble take on the epic Scottish Six Days Trial, a legendary challenge where the best motorbike riders in the world come together to race a hundred miles each day in a true test of stamina.

Most popular risky sports

1. Scuba Diving

2. Skiing

3. Go-Karting

4. Sky Diving

5. Jet Skiing

6. Surfing

7. White Water Rafting

8. Kayaking

9. Snowboarding

10. Hang Gliding

11. Mountain Biking