Supporting family and communities is among top New Year resolutions for 2022, study finds

Millions of forward-planners have already made their New Year’s resolutions - with making changes to support family and communities one of the stand-out themes for 2022.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults found the common resolutions, such as increased investment in physical, mental, and financial health, still top the list of changes people are intent on making in the New Year.

But for many these resolutions now go beyond simply benefiting the individual.

In fact, more than half (57 per cent) recognise their ability to have an impact on bettering the world and giving back to their community in 2022.

And just under half (44 per cent) stated the importance they are putting on helping others in the New Year where they can.

Three in five think that taking care of their own finances in 2022 could enable them to support others, while 35 per cent intend to donate to charity.

A tenth will look to support more community projects, while a further one in ten want to use their skills to help people in the long run.

Jonny Black, strategic director at global investment company abrdn, which commissioned the research, said: "As we head into the New Year, it’s the perfect time for people to reassess their priorities and plans for the future.

"And beyond purely personal goals, for many, a better future involves society as a whole.

"Based on our latest research of what matters most to people today, this is clearly something more of us than ever are opening our eyes to."

Top 5 investments people want to make in their communities and the world in 2022

1. Recycle more

2. Donate things not needed to charity/others

3. Reduce plastic usage

4. Reduce food waste

5. Reduce your carbon footprint

Top 5 investments people want to make in themselves in 2022

1. Spend more time with family

2. Go on more holidays

3. Read more

4. More ‘me’ time

5. Spend more time with friends