A fifth of over-50s are hitting the town more frequently now than they were thirty years ago, new research has revealed. A survey of 1,500 over 50s discovered that Generation X, who grew up during the rave scene of the late 80s and 90s, are still partying hard with 75% continuing to frequent venues that feature live music including nightclubs, bars, and concerts.
Over-50s still raving to classic beats
Over-50s attending nightlife events relish the very beats that soundtracked their youth, from house, acid house, techno, and trance through to disco and club anthems. Meanwhile, four in 10 (38%) also expressed they'd be thrilled to witness their beloved 80s and 90s performers take the stage once more.
Nearly half (46%) look back fondly on their most cherished memories being created on the dance floor. More than a quarter (27%) revealed that live music and nightlife continue to form a fundamental part of who they are, while 22% credited music with moulding the person they've become.
Specsavers launches The Testlist
Specsavers has created The Testlist, the first club guestlist unlocked by a three-minute online hearing screener, exclusively for the over 50s across the UK and Ireland.
Musicians Groove Armada – who have experienced hearing challenges firsthand – will headline the first Testlist music event with an intimate DJ set at London's Phonox on Thursday 15th October.
Groove Armada on hearing loss
Their anthem Superstylin' marks its 25th anniversary this year – described as "a perfect soundtrack to a generation that refuses to retire from the dancefloor."
Tom Findlay from Groove Armada said: "We've been blessed to spend 30 years in the music scene, and nothing compares to that feeling of being in a crowd with sound so powerful you can feel it in your bones.
"Our generation was the first to rave and they're still on the dancefloor now. We put our ears to very good use and were way too busy having fun to think about the cost of it.
I've experienced hearing loss and occasionally wear a hearing device so I can really relate to this campaign."
Andy Cato from Groove Armada commented: "People put off getting their hearing checked but they do want to get on the guestlist. That's where The Testlist comes into its own. And we are very proud to be part of that."
Rave culture and hearing health
More than four in 10 (42%) believe their generation doesn't receive sufficient recognition for pioneering the UK's rave scene, according to the OnePoll.com data.
For 27% of those who have suffered a decline in their hearing, these difficulties have cut down how frequently they attend live music events. However, 19% are determined they shouldn't have to quit having fun just because they're getting on.
Many have endured ringing in their ears (42%), muffled hearing (22%), and temporary hearing loss (11%) after nights out. Despite decades of clubbing with towering sound systems and pounding bass, 38% don't currently take any protective measures to safeguard their hearing when going to live music events.
The research reveals a desire for change, with 22% stating they'd be more likely to visit a venue if it was designed with their generation in mind and a whopping 88% confirming that safe sound levels are important to them.
Listen for Life campaign
As a supporter of the 'Listen for Life' campaign, a first of its kind healthy hearing initiative for the music industry, championed by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the Testlist event will help give fans the best listening experience that doesn't exceed safe limits.
Sonam Sehemby, Specsavers hearing expert, said: "Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss.
"In fact, according to The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), nearly half of people aged 50 and over experience some degree of hearing loss, yet NHS data tells us people wait around 10 years before seeking help.
"Our free online hearing screener takes just a few minutes and is a simple first step.
We're hoping to encourage more music fans to check their hearing, so they can continue enjoying the artists they love exactly as they were meant to sound."
