I am a committee member on both a local cycling and running club. It is very interesting to see the behaviour of our members based on age group.
Those members under 30 seem to be ignoring government advice. Both clubs have officially stopped hosting any organised rides or runs. However, the under 30s, in both clubs, are organising their own group runs / rides via Facebook and other social media. They seem to be going to great lengths to circumvent any advice. When I cancelled the AGM earlier this week, I had people (under 30) sending me messages, with photographs attached, of them holding a pint pot in a pub saying, it’s all calming here!
Members in their 40s, seem to be adhering to government advice as and when it is issued, but not before. Our lady members seem particularly good at adhering to advice
Those in their 50s, seem to be about one week ahead of the game. Many of our members in their 50s, last week or earlier, made it clear that they wouldn’t be coming to the clubs for the foreseeable future, or until the situation improves.
Members in their 60s and above have stopped attending the clubs since the outbreak was in single figures.
To me, it seems that we have the biggest problem with our 30 year old population. In a way, they have a lot to lose because many of them have eye watering mortgages, rent to pay, leased cars and hideous credit card debt. Statistically, their health is less likely to be severely affected by the virus, but their livelihoods and security could be severely affected. They simply do not seem to get it.
