Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Adults Can’t Change a Lightbulb or Boil an Egg

A surprising number of adults in the UK lack basic household skills, according to a recent survey by British insurance company Aviva. The annual Home Report, which surveyed 2004 people in February and March, found that 20% of adults can't change a lightbulb or boil an egg.

Even more startling, nearly a third of respondents admitted they couldn’t cook a meal without a recipe. Additionally, only 59% knew how to remove a stain, and just 37% could change a flat tire.

Aviva’s Propositions Director, Adam Beckett, expressed surprise at these findings, highlighting the nation’s pride in DIY abilities. He acknowledged that while people enjoy tackling tasks themselves, busy lives often necessitate calling in professionals for more challenging jobs.

The survey also revealed a generational shift in how people learn these skills. Half of the respondents reported learning through trial and error, but younger individuals, especially those under 25, are increasingly turning to the internet for guidance. In this age group, 40% prefer online resources over traditional books.

Here's a snapshot of the survey’s findings on household tasks:

TaskPercentage Confident in Completing

Boil an egg

81%

Change a lightbulb

79%

Cook a meal without a recipe

69%

Read a map

66%

Sew on a button

65%

Unblock a sink

62%

Remove a stain

59%

Change a baby’s nappy

57%

Wire a plug

57%

Bleed a radiator

53%

Check oil levels in a car

53%

Put up a shelf

47%

Put up wallpaper

39%

Change a flat tire

37%

Change a washer on a tap

30%

Fit tiles

22%


Source
Photo: Getty


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content