A fifth of over-50s go on more nights out now than they did thirty years ago

A FIFTH of over-50s go on more nights out now than they did 30 years ago. A poll of 1,500 over 50s found those who came of age in the rave culture of the late 1980s and early 1990s are still going strong when it comes to attending nightclubs, bars, and gigs. Electronic duo Groove Armada will headline the first Testlist event Credit: H ORANGE Tom Findlay of Groove Armada shared he had experienced hearing loss Credit: H ORANGE Research shows that around 75 per cent of over 50s polled are still attending these, with four in 10 confirming they would love to see their favourite 80s or 90s artist perform live again. Around 27 per cent of those polled claim that live music and nightlife remain a core part of their identity and nearly half (46 per cent) say music has shaped the person they are today. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Specsavers has since created The Testlist, the first club guestlist unlocked by its free three-minute online screener and open exclusively to the over 50s across the UK and Ireland. Groove Armada will headline the inaugural Testlist launch at London’s Phonox on Thursday, October 15. The intimate DJ set coincides with the 25th anniversary of their Superstylin’ anthem. Tom Findlay from Groove Armada said: “We’ve been blessed to spend 30 years in the music scene, and nothing compares to that feeling of being in a crowd with sound so powerful you can feel it in your bones. “Our generation was the first to rave and they’re still on the dancefloor now. We put our ears to very good use and were way too busy having fun to think about the cost of it. “I’ve experienced hearing loss and occasionally wear a hearing device so I can really relate to this campaign.” Most read in The Sun Andy Cato from Groove Armada commented: “People put off getting their hearing checked but they do want to get on the guestlist. “That’s where The Testlist comes into its own. And we are very proud to be part of that.” Research from OnePoll.com found that 42 per cent of over 50s polled feel they are not given enough credit for their generation’s pioneering rave scene. But 27 per cent say they have experienced a decline in their hearing and this has reduced the amount of live music events they attend. Many say they experienced ringing in their ears (42 per cent), muffled hearing (22 per cent), and temporary hearing loss (11 per cent) after attending a night out. Despite these problems, 38 per cent of people don’t take any preventative steps to protect their hearing when attending live music events. There could be an alternative in mind as 22 per cent of those polled say they would visit a venue designed with their generation in mind. As a supporter of the Listen for Life campaign, a first of its kind healthy hearing initiative for the music industry, championed by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the Testlist event will help give fans the best listening experience that doesn’t exceed safe limits. Sonam Sehemby, Specsavers hearing expert, said: “Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss. “In fact, according to The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), nearly half of people aged 50 and over experience some degree of hearing loss, yet NHS data tells us people wait around 10 years before seeking help. “Our free online hearing screener takes just a few minutes and is a simple first step. “We’re hoping to encourage more music fans to check their hearing, so they can continue enjoying the artists they love exactly as they were meant to sound.” Comment now