A study of 2,000 adults found 54 per cent describe themselves as ‘adventurous’.
But 18-24-year-olds are most likely to make the claim (79 per cent), with 55-64-year-olds the least (33 per cent).
The risks people feel they have taken in life include everything from booking a last-minute holiday (23 per cent) to quitting their job without having another lined up (24 per cent).
Others have experienced adventure via abseiling (12 per cent), travelling abroad solo (20 per cent) and going skinny dipping (12 per cent).
Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) have done something outside their comfort zone, including speaking to people they’ve never spoken to before (52 per cent) and doing something alone (51 per cent).
But many would like to be more adventurous, by doing things such as moving to another country (11 per cent), skydiving (nine per cent) and setting up their own business (eight per cent).
The study, commissioned by Mentos Gum, also found saying yes to new things makes people feel excited (36 per cent) and confident (26 per cent), as well as apprehensive (32 per cent).
And 30 per cent think stepping out of their comfort zone has boosted their confidence, while 25 per cent felt the need to try something new due to being bored.
Kim McMahon, from the gum brand, said: “It’s great to see how adventurous adults are. Whether big or small, taking a step outside your comfort zone can be daunting yet confidence boosting.
“It’s a common phrase that we only regret the things we didn’t do in life and it’s interesting to see the older generation polled would encourage youngsters to take new opportunities that come their way.
“We want to help inspire the nation by saying ‘yes’ to more, especially this summer after the past couple of years, there is no better time.”
Stepping out of the comfort zone
The study also found 45 per cent typically agree to opportunities that come their way, while 29 per cent usually opt for ‘no’.
But this has left 34 per cent wishing they’d said yes more often when looking back on their life.
It also found 29 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, believe caring less about what people think has helped them become more adventurous.
And three in 10 admitted they’re more likely to do something daring with others than alone, having felt inspired by their friends (29 per cent), partner (27 per cent) and their child (22 per cent).
Life experiences have also influenced how adventurous or carefree adults are, including becoming a parent (24 per cent), graduating from university (21 per cent) and a health scare (20 per cent).
Entertainers Woody and Kleiny, who feature in a video by the gum brand trying to get people to say ‘yes’, said: “We had an amazing time finding out what adventures await the public this summer; it was a real mixed bag of holidays, zip-lines and even sky dives.
“People were laughing, getting involved and we even managed a couple of pranks too.
“Don’t let the fun stop after your twenties – life is 100 per cent more fun when you’re ready to try new things.”
