Families Favour Outdoor Fun and Park Visits
A recent survey commissioned by Boots Opticians has uncovered that spending time at the park and enjoying nature are the top activities that families cherish for creating memorable experiences. According to the survey, Saturday afternoons are the preferred time for family bonding, with three to four hours being the typical duration families spend together. This dedicated time highlights the importance families place on meaningful interactions.
Children’s Preferred Memory-Making Activities
The survey reveals that children’s favourite activities for making lasting memories with their families include:
- Visiting the park and playing there (46%)
- Spending time outdoors in nature (35%)
- Going to the cinema (30%)
- Watching TV or a boxset (27%)
- Playing board games (26%)
These preferences illustrate a clear trend towards outdoor and interactive activities, with a noticeable shift from indoor to more dynamic experiences compared to previous generations.
Generational Differences in Memory-Making
When comparing past and present, the survey highlights differences between the memories of today’s children and those of their parents at the same age. For parents, the most memorable activities included:
- Playing at the park (51%)
- Enjoying time in nature (39%)
- Playing board games (35%)
- Watching TV or a boxset (23%)
- Swimming (23%)
In contrast, today’s children show a preference for cinema outings and other modern leisure activities, indicating a shift in recreational trends over the years.
The Need for Myopia Awareness
Boots Opticians commissioned this research to raise awareness about myopia, a common eye condition that affects children by causing distant objects to appear blurred while close objects remain clear. Myopia can significantly impact a child’s ability to fully engage in educational and recreational activities, including cherished family moments.
The survey reveals a significant gap in myopia awareness. Nearly 40% of parents mistakenly believe myopia is a form of long-sightedness, while about 29% are unaware of methods to slow its progression. This highlights a critical need for improved education on eye health and myopia management.
Expert Insights on Myopia
Kyla Black BSc (Hons) MCOptom, Head of Professional Services & Professional Capability at Boots Opticians, underscores the importance of addressing eye health to ensure children can fully participate in memorable activities. She explains, “Creating memories is an integral part of a child’s development, fostering a special bond with their family and friends. It is essential that children experience life to the fullest, free from barriers like myopia that can impede their ability to enjoy these moments.”
Black adds, “Myopia generally begins between ages six and thirteen but can develop outside this range. Parents should be vigilant for signs such as needing to sit close to the front of the class or TV, holding objects near the face, frequent headaches, or excessive eye rubbing. Early detection and intervention are key.”
Free Eye Tests and Treatments
Boots Opticians provides free NHS eye tests for children under 16 or those under 19 and in full-time education. They offer various treatments to manage myopia, including MiSight® 1-day contact lenses and Essilor® Stellest® lenses. These solutions are designed to slow the progression of myopia by altering how light rays enter the eyes, thus helping children maintain clear vision and continue enjoying their favourite activities. The survey was conducted in August 2024 with 2,000 parents of children aged 5 to 16, providing a comprehensive overview of current family activities and myopia awareness.
