Women are 25% more likely to keep to their New Year’s resolutions than men, the Stroke Association revealed.
Be it weight loss, drinking less or spending more time relaxing, the results crown females the 2017 New Year’s resolution gender champions – with 20% of women achieving their goals compared to 16% of men.
More than 2,000 UK adults were surveyed about their 2017 objectives as part of the Stroke Association campaign, ‘What’s Your Resolution’ – a fundraising event where people pledge to run 5k, 10k or 15k in the charity’s spring Resolution Run.
Despite being outdone overall in the 2017 resolution rally, closer analysis shows men are almost twice as likely to uphold resolutions to take up running and also outdo women when it comes to healthier eating goals – with half of them reporting success (50%) compared to 38% of women.
Stroke survivor and recruitment consultant Dave Boyle, 25, is running the Stroke Association’s 10k Resolution Run in March. The Balham resident suffered a stroke in 2015 and began setting resolutions during his recovery.
He said: “A day doesn’t go by when I don’t think about my stroke and it’s definitely given me the New Year resolution to keep fit and keep active, as well as setting longer-term life resolutions too.
“I think it’s good to have something to strive towards and it makes me feel determined and hopeful about what’s ahead.” 
This will be the second time Dave has taken part in the race with his mother, father and sister.
In reaction to the Stroke Association’s survey results, Dave added: “I think it comes down to the individual and, from personal experience, gender doesn’t really have anything to do with it.”
There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, and more than 1.2 million people living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association executive director of external affairs Dominic Brand said: “Every five minutes across the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke.
“We’re pleased to see both genders are making healthy resolutions, as regular moderate exercise can significantly reduce your risk of stroke by 27%.”
For information about entering or volunteering at the Stroke Association Resolution Run, visit http://www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email [email protected] or call 0300 330 0740.
