Brits twice as risky with health than wealth

Britons are twice as likely to gamble with their health as with their money or career, new research has found.

The research has revealed that nearly a fifth (18%) of people are likely to take risks with their health over and above any other area of their life.

According to the Axa Wealth report, this is twice the number who would take a risk with their money, with people equally cautious when it comes to taking a risk with their career (both 9%).

Generation X (35 to 44-years-old) is the age group which takes the most risks when it comes to both money and health.

A quarter (22%) typically take the greatest risks with their health, compared to just 13% for 18 to 24-year-olds.

Perhaps ironically, the research also showed that over a quarter (27%) of those who find taking a risk stressful would wait until something was seriously wrong before visiting the doctors.

When it comes to money, the survey of 2008 adults also showed that gender and age play a part, with men being nearly twice as likely to take a risk with their finances than women.

Additionally, the younger generations (18-34) are the most cautious with their money, despite having the time to be risky, while 35 to 44-year-olds are the most risky age group.

Mike Morrison, head of pensions development at Axa Wealth, said it was interesting to see that people are willing to take more risks with their health than their money and career.

"The most important thing is to understand your appetite to risk and apply it across all areas of your life, where suitable," he said.

"It is essential that people take the time to properly consider where it is appropriate to take risks so as to avoid disappointing or detrimental results.

"This is a rule which should be applied not only to finances but all areas of life, including health and career," he added.