A new survey by British Gas of 2,000 British adults has found that Brits feel most confident and in control of their lives at the average age of 50. The research also reveals that 30% feel they are nowhere near having their life ‘sorted,’ while 56% believe no one really ever has their life fully under control.
Milestones less important than daily habits
By age 50, many may have reached traditional milestones such as getting married, raising children, buying a home or building a career, yet achieving these goals does not necessarily mean feeling like everything is figured out. Instead, reaching middle age may bring a greater sense of self-assurance, with people feeling more comfortable with their choices, routines and priorities.
Years of experience, from managing finances and responsibilities to navigating relationships and setbacks, could contribute to feeling more capable of handling daily life. Rather than major changes, respondents pointed to smaller routines and personal habits as the real signs of feeling confident in their lives.
Top signs of having life together
When asked what makes you feel like you’ve got it together, 21% agreed with not leaving empty food wrappers lying around in the foot of your car and knowing when bin day is (35%). Other markers include recycling everything and putting clothes away rather than throwing them on a chair (both 30%).
Having your kitchen cupboards in order was a strong sign of being on top of responsibilities (28%). Always having spare batteries to hand (25%) and unpacking immediately after a trip (23%) also made the list, alongside always washing up after a dinner party (21%).
Health, emotional and financial signals
Booking the dentist before anything hurts is another signal of feeling settled (22%). Drinking two litres of water a day (28%) shows you’re maturing. Emotional growth scored in second, third, fourth, and eighth place in the survey, with 43% saying you have your life under control if you can enjoy your own company, 42% if you can admit when you’re wrong, and 37% if you can say no to things you don’t want to do. Having a strong and healthy friendship group (33%) also reflects maturity.
Financially, knowing how much energy your home uses each month (27%) and having eco features like solar panels or a smart meter (32%) are indicators of being the ultimate adult. Additionally, 36% say you’re not paying for subscriptions you don’t use, and 52% say you’re making regular savings payments – the top sign in the survey.
Small habits define control
Ultimately, the survey suggests that feeling like you have your life under control is less about reaching major life milestones and more about staying on top of the everyday details. From keeping track of finances and appointments to maintaining healthy routines and an organised home, it is these small habits that appear to give people the greatest sense of control.
While 50 may be the age when many Brits feel most confident in their lives, the findings show that being ‘sorted’ is measured less by where you are in life and more by how well you manage the things that come with it.
