Contrary to popular opinion, those aged over 55 don’t have time to lounge around on their days off, with 79 per cent saying they always have something to get up for.
And whereas the study of 2,000 adults found those aged 18 to 24 will enjoy four breakfasts a month in bed, those over 55 will have just one.
Even those aged 25 to 34 will have three leisurely feasts between the sheets every month.
But whereas younger generations will use the time to get things done – such as admin or pursuing a hobby – when the elderly do lie in, they’ll switch off altogether.
Adults over the age of 45 love breakfast in bed as like to stay where it is warm and cosy, while those under 34 relish the time with a partner.
And while adults aged 45 and over will last around 30 minutes in bed with food, 18 to 24 year olds will stay put for almost a full hour.
The study comes after pub chain Hungry Horse launched the comfiest dining experience yet – as it renamed its Monkhams pub the ‘Breakfast Inn Bed’ for the day.
Guests to the Essex pub were invited to don pyjamas, slippers and dressing gowns to enjoy dishes such as the Brekkie Kebab, Breakfast in Bread and the gigantic Sausageness Monster – a one-metre-long curled sausage sarnie loaf smothered in red or brown sauce.
Rob Calderbank, business unit director at Hungry Horse, said: “Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day and should be savoured no matter how old you are, but it’s interesting to see that traditional breakfast in bed is now the preferred choice for the younger generations.
“After a long year stuck at home more people are getting out and about in the mornings, enjoying breakfast on the go or treating themselves to something tasty they just couldn’t make at home.
“That’s why we created our ‘Breakfast Inn Bed’ pub, swapping tables for double beds and comfy sheets for punters to tuck into dishes from our new breakfast menu. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the atmosphere and comradery of the pub from the comfort of pyjamas and a dressing gown.”
It emerged pancakes are the top breakfast of choice for those aged 18 to 24, while bacon sarnies are popular with the 45 to 54 age group, and the over 55s tend to opt for a simple slice of toast.
Adults aged 55 to 64 are most likely to enjoy breakfast in bed with a partner than any other age group, but sadly for those over 65, many of these experiences are had alone.
For 35 per cent of Brits, Sunday is the day of the week they’re most likely to opt for a slower start, and when they do they’ll watch TV (25 per cent), chat to a partner (24 per cent) and surf the internet (21 per cent).
Other popular activities to take place between the sheets, breakfast in hand, include phone calls with family members, watching the news and planning the week ahead.
The average adult hopes to have time for regular breakfast in beds by the age of 54 – although the results of the OnePoll research suggests this is unlikely to happen, as one quarter of those already there believe it’s a waste of time, and 21 per cent feel guilty for not getting on with the day.
Rob Calderbank from Hungry Horse, which launched the new breakfast menu nationwide this week, added: “It’s great to hear so many people are as big on breakfast as we are – it is the best way to kick start the day.
“However you prefer to enjoy yours, it’s important to take the time out and not rush things – even better, make it an experience to share with loved ones at your local.”
Most popular ‘breakfast in bed’ activities:
1. Watch TV
2. Chat to a partner
3. Surf the internet
4. Read a book
5. Watch the news
6. Read the paper / magazines
7. Catch up on emails
8. Watch movies
9. Shop online
10. Cuddle the dog
11. Cuddle the cat
12. Plan the week ahead
13. Play games on the phone
14. Cuddle the kids
15. Call family members
