Older people are more likely to break lockdown rules than younger people, according to an ONS study

Older people are more likely to break lockdown rules than their younger counterparts, government data revealed, as they strive to maintain family unity.

According to the latest data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 23% of people aged 16-29 reported having had physical contact with at least one other person while socializing indoors in the past 24 hours, excluding those of your family or support bubble. This marked a 32% drop from the previous week.

However, the ONS also found that physical contact with at least one other person while socializing in the home was higher for people aged 50 to 69, at 25%. In contrast, it was the lowest for people aged 70 and over, at 17%.

Direct physical contact included shaking or holding hands, hugging and making contact when passing objects.

Experts said the reason middle-aged people are more likely to break lockdown rules is because they are struggling to maintain family unity, with children living away from home wanting to visit.

Robert Dingwall, Professor of Sociology, Nottingham Trent University, said: “Lockdown rules and advice have always been in conflict with many people’s sense of what is important in their social networks and relationships.

“The higher rate of internal contact among people between the ages of 50 and 69 probably reflects this. This generation often has caring relationships both upward to their parents and downward to their children and grandchildren.

“These relationships will often be essential in helping other people maintain an independent life or stay in school or work. Government rules exert much less pressure than family obligations. ”

Coronavirus UK and regional map.

Under current lockdown rules in England, people who do not live in the same household can only meet if they do so outside, unless they form a support bubble.

The ONS has released the latest data as part of its weekly report analyzing the social impact of Covid-19 in England and Wales. The data covers the period from 5 to 8 November and is based on a survey of 6,031 adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain.

At the time of data collection, England started its second national block, those in Wales were in a national “fire-break” block and those in Scotland were under “local protection levels”.

ONS data also revealed that only 7% of adults reported being in direct physical contact with at least one other person, excluding those in their family or support bubble, when socializing outdoors in the past 24 hours.

The highest percentage was reported by those aged 16 to 29, at 13%, and the lowest by those aged 70 and over, at 4%.

The ONS found that around six out of 10 adults in Britain reported that they found the current lockdown measures in the place where they live very easy or easy to understand. In addition, about seven in 10 reported that they found it very easy or easy to follow current lockdown measures in the place they live. There was little difference in how different age groups found it easy to understand current blocking measures.

However, a lower percentage of people aged 16-29, 62%, reported that they found it very easy or easy to follow current blocking measures, compared to those aged 70 and over, 74% .