Under 25s 'far less healthy than over 55s' - survey

Seven out of 10 young people are self-confessed couch potatoes who take no regular exercise at all, a UK study showed today.

Under-25s are far less healthy than the over-55s and are profoundly ignorant about nutrition, according to the survey for National Bread Week.

The survey, commissioned by Warburtons bakers, revealed that the majority of under-25s know more about TV soaps than key aspects of healthy living.

Six out of 10 had no idea how much water they should drink daily, while 29% of those who did answer were wrong with most of them significantly under-estimating the amount.

Some 73% take no regular exercise and only 53% think they eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

In contrast, 70% of people aged 55 or over considered themselves to be healthy eaters.

While 66% of women said that had a balanced diet, only 44% of men made the same claim.

Psychologist Dr David Lewis, who analysed the findings, said: ‘‘It seems clear that a significant proportion of young people are putting their future health at risk, either through indifference or downright ignorance.

‘‘They blithely assume that ill health is something that happens to others. Sadly this is far from true with physicians reporting such health risks as high blood pressure and furred arteries among the under 25s, with young males being most at risk.

‘‘This is a tragedy since young people who construct a firm foundation of good health and physical fitness in their younger years stand a far better chance of enjoying a long and healthy life.’’

National Bread Week, which starts tomorrow, aims to remind people that bread constitutes part of a healthy diet, according to Warburtons.

They will be staging a variety of ‘‘bread-themed’’ events around the country, such as building the world’s tallest sandwich and staging Teddy Bears’ picnics.

People who have a connection with bread - living in Baker Street, for example, or being called Mr and Mrs Bread - will get a free loaf.