Older people are more likely to break lockdown rules, data shows

Those aged between 50 and 69 are most likely to break regulations

Data published by the Office for National Statistics has shown older generations are more likely to break lockdown rules compared to younger people. As reported by The Telegraph, ONS data showed 23 per cent of people between the ages of 16 and 29 had reported physical contact with at least one other person when socialising indoors in the past 24 hours, excluding those who lived in their household or that formed part of their support bubble. This had fallen by nine per cent from the previous week. The same data showed that physical contact was two per cent higher amongst those in the 50 to 69 age group. Direct physical contact, the report explains, can include shaking or holding hands, hugging, and making contact when passing objects. The higher rate of indoor contact amongst people in the 50-69 bracket, experts believe, is likely to be a result of them trying to maintain the family unit with their loved ones - be it children and grandchildren or parents and older relatives. "The lockdown rules and advice have always conflicted with many people's sense of what is important in their social networks and relationships," Robert Dingwall, professor of sociology at Nottingham Trent University, is quoted as saying. "The higher rate of indoor contacts among people aged between 50 and 69 probably reflects this. This generation often have caring relationships both upwards towards their own parents and downwards to their children and grandchildren. "These relationships will often be essential to helping other people maintain independent lives or remain in school or work. Government rules are a much weaker pressure than family obligations." Whereas those in the 50-69 age group are most likely to break lockdown rules, the same data shows a dramatic drop in those aged 70 and over, with just 17 per cent reporting physical contact. A second national lockdown was announced in England at the start of the month and is scheduled to last until early December.