A survey of 2,000 adults has found that nearly three quarters of dads brush off health concerns with humorous phrases rather than seek medical advice. The nation's most beloved 'dadisms' include 'I'm just resting my eyes', 'were you born in a barn?' and 'put a jumper on if you're cold'.
Survey Highlights
The research, conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Practice Plus Group Hospitals, revealed that seven in 10 adults wouldn't swap their father's cheesy sayings for anything. However, some 'dadisms' stretch to more worrying health matters. Two thirds of respondents claim their dad regularly makes jovial excuses for aches, pains or mobility problems, blaming things like 'needing to get their joints oiled' (12%) or insisting they've 'just slept funny' (23%). Overall, 73% of dads play down health worries rather than seeking medical guidance.
Expert Commentary
Ross Dowsett, CEO for Practice Plus Group Hospitals, said: 'Some of these classic dadisms are instantly recognisable, and many of us probably catch ourselves repeating them too. But jokes aside, the research has revealed a more concerning trend that dads often dismiss aches and pains with throwaway comments rather than seeking medical advice.' He added: 'Many blame persistent pain, mobility issues or changes in eyesight on 'just getting older', or joke about their ailments. While these remarks may seem harmless, symptoms that affect day-to-day life shouldn't be ignored.'
Family Dynamics Shift
The study also highlights a growing shift in family dynamics, with 81% of adult children having assisted in managing their parents' healthcare, and 57% of those now taking an active role. Among those who have a father figure with mobility issues, 69% regularly 'nudge' or encourage their dad to seek help for ongoing concerns. A further 23% have taken time off work or changed plans to support them.
Real-Life Example
Chris Newberry, 59, from Truro, Cornwall, spent years delaying a hip replacement operation despite enduring hip pain from osteoarthritis since his late 20s. He was motivated to act by his son, Harry, 18, combined with discovering he would shortly lose his private medical cover following redundancy. Chris explained: 'Living in Cornwall, we love being outdoors, but my hip pain meant I couldn't properly enjoy being active anymore. Even a round of golf had become difficult. I started to feel old before my time and realised I didn't want to keep missing out on experiences we could be enjoying together.' Harry commented: 'I hated him struggling with the pain and knew we'd be able to do more together if he got the surgery. When he said he was having the surgery in Birmingham, I said I could help get him there. I'd have driven him anywhere, to be honest, to get rid of the pain.'
Healthcare Access Concerns
More than eight in ten respondents would feel more reassured if their dad had access to faster and simpler healthcare support, with three in 10 fathers currently on a waiting list for treatment. As a result, 57% would consider helping their dad access private healthcare appointments or surgery due to NHS waiting times. However, among those whose fathers do have private medical insurance, 24% said their dads are hesitant to use it because they feel the claims process is too complex (28%) or they want to 'save it' for something more serious (38%).
Top 10 Dadisms
- I'm just resting my eyes.
- Ask your mother.
- Put a jumper on if you are cold.
- Were you born in a barn?
- You can't leave all the lights on like Blackpool illuminations.
- I'm not going to the doctor for that / I don't want to make a fuss.
- I know a shortcut.
- I don't need to ask for directions.
- Turn that racket down.
- Taxi of mum and dad.
Ross Dowsett concluded: 'We're increasingly seeing adult children step in to help parents navigate healthcare decisions, from arranging consultations to understanding private healthcare and medical insurance options. This is why it's so important we help people access the treatment and surgery they need sooner so they can get back to enjoying the activities they love again.'
