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Turning 50: The start of your next big adventure
Reaching 50 doesn’t have to be about slowing down. It’s a chance to embrace new experiences and make the most of the years ahead. If anything, living life to the fullest becomes even more important. Especially as new research for Post Office Life Insurance1 found 40% of over 50s wish they’d been more adventurous in their youth.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide in March 2025, gathered views from 2,000 UK people aged 50 and over. Many said they felt more adventurous in their fifties, with nearly one in four even calling themselves ‘risk-takers’. But it also showed that, despite taking more risks, a large proportion hadn’t given much thought to life insurance.
Some key survey findings
So, what do the numbers tell us about how their sense of adventure has changed over time?
- 40% of those we asked said they wish they’d been more daring in their youth
- But over half (56%) had felt unable to be adventurous at certain points in their life
- Reasons adventure took a back seat included parenting (27%), health (20%) or buying a home (17%)
- Nearly a third (32%) of women said parenthood put personal goals on hold, compared to just 22% of men
- Now, 25% of over 50s consider themselves more adventurous than they were in their 20s
- And over one in five (21%) feel turning 50 has allowed them to prioritise adventure again
Are fewer responsibilities holding you back now too? Perhaps your children have grown up and moved away or you’ve retired. If so, your fifties could be the perfect time to explore new places, take on fresh challenges and tick off those bucket-list goals.
Why life insurance with critical illness cover matters
While it’s exciting to dream about new adventures, it’s important to be prepared too. That means understanding and preparing for the risks so you can concentrate on living life to the fullest.
Whether for you that means going travelling, starting a business or trying a new hobby, having the right life insurance, and perhaps paying a little extra for optional critical illness cover, lets you chase your dreams with peace of mind.
It helps you prepare for the unexpected and still take care of your loved ones if something happens to you or, worse, you’re no longer around. If you get seriously ill, it can give you a payout so you can focus on your health and what matters most.
Even if your plans are more low-key, life can still be full of surprises. Whatever the future holds, life insurance could give you the financial safety net to embrace new opportunities with confidence and free from worry.
How life insurance brings peace of mind for an adventurous lifestyle?
When planning your next big adventure, the financial security life insurance offers is just as important as a well-packed bag or a good pair of walking boots. And yet, just 39% of over 50s have it in place, judging from our survey. Here’s how it can help you live life to the fullest.
1. It lets you say yes to new experiences
Always wanted to try skydiving, travel solo or take up a new sport? With life insurance in place, you don’t have to let “what ifs” hold you back, knowing your family is taken care of.
But it’s important to note that activities deemed risky may lead to higher premiums, specific exclusions or cover not being provided.
2. It protects those who rely on you
Even if your children are grown up, your family may still rely on you. Life insurance makes sure they’re financially secure if something happens to you.
3. It gives you more financial flexibility
Life insurance policies with added critical illness cover let you get your payout early if you become seriously ill. This can help you pay for treatments, travel to appointments or focus on getting back on your feet.
4. It helps you focus on living, not worrying
It’s sometimes overwhelming to think about the “what ifs.” Life insurance gives you peace of mind when you know your loved ones are protected, so you can enjoy the moment without extra stress.
How to choose the right life insurance for your adventure?
To work out the best option from the different types of life insurance, ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I need life insurance? Is it to provide for your family and their financial security if you’re no longer around? To give your children security so their needs and educations are taken care of? Or to cover outstanding debts like a mortgage so your family isn’t burdened with them?
- How much cover do I need? How much money would your family need to replace your income, pay off debts and cover living expenses?
- What is my budget for premiums?
- Do I need extra benefits? Would you benefit from adding optional extras like critical illness cover?
- How long do I need cover for? What’s the right length for your policy based on your age, financial obligations and future plans?
What is the best type of insurance for you?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you should explore the most suitable life insurance quotes to make sure they match your life and future plans.
Life insurance
Good for: Helping your family cover everyday costs, mortgage payments and other bills if you pass away.
- Cover available up to £750,000 (based on your age)
- For UK residents aged 18 to 70
- Option for decreasing cover to match a reducing mortgage balance, helping your family continue living in their home
- Additional options of level cover, which pays a fixed lump sum, or increasing cover, which adjusts the payout with inflation
- You choose how long the cover lasts and how much you need
Life insurance with critical illness cover
Good for: Giving you a cash payout if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, so you have funds while you recover.
- Helps with lost income, medical treatment or changes to your home
- Can be added to your life insurance at an extra cost
Over 50s life cover
Good for: Taking care of funeral costs, paying the bills and leaving a gift to loved ones.
- Provides cover up to £10,000 (depending on age)
- Fixed monthly payments that never increase
- Guaranteed acceptance with no medical checks for UK residents aged 50 to 80
Myths about life insurance
Many people think life insurance is too expensive or don't want to think about it. Nearly half (49%) of the over 50s we asked said they try to avoid thinking about what could go wrong.
But cover can actually be very affordable, especially if you don't put off getting it. And the good news is, it’s never too late to get covered.
While many people in their 50s are more adventurous than ever, life insurance can offer financial security and peace of mind, making sure loved ones are taken care of if anything goes wrong. So, whether you're travelling, starting a new project, or living out your dreams, life insurance could be a smart way to keep your family secure while you enjoy life’s adventure.
Key takeaways
- Reaching 50 is a new beginning which is full of adventure and new experiences
- Choosing the right life cover means you can focus on enjoying life without worrying about the future
- With the right policy in place, you can be confident your loved ones will be protected if something happens to you
- Choose the right insurance for you, whether that’s life insurance alone, life insurance with critical illness cover or an over 50s life cover policy
When you know what you need, it's easy to find the right policy.
Make the most of life’s adventures with the right protection in place.
Common questions
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Even if you don’t have debts, life insurance can be useful. Life insurance (cover up to £750,000) is a flexible way to stay protected. You choose how long the cover lasts and how much money is paid out. It can help your family with daily costs, leave them a cash gift or cover funeral expenses.
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It can, but it depends on the policy. Many life insurance providers will cover adventurous activities like skydiving, scuba diving or mountaineering but you’ll usually need to disclose them when applying. Depending on the level of risk, you might face higher premiums or specific exclusions. If extreme sports are a regular part of your lifestyle, it’s a good idea to check the terms of your policy or speak with an advisor to make sure you’re fully protected.
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Yes, you can still apply for life insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. Each application is assessed individually, and insurers will consider your specific health history. Depending on the condition and its severity, you may be offered standard cover, charged a higher premium, have exclusions applied to your policy or, in some cases, cover may be declined.
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Critical illness cover can help provide security if you're seriously ill. It can help you focus on getting better, so you don’t have to worry about lost income or extra costs.
About the research
1 The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 UK respondents. The data was collected between 27 February to 4 March 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
Our life cover products
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Life insurance
Choose between level, decreasing or increasing term insurance, each designed to offer you peace of mind based on your circumstances.
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Over 50s life cover
If you're aged between 50 and 80, we could help you leave a cash sum for your family or towards your funeral costs.
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