Millions of Britons are cocooning themselves into thinking they are younger than they are and may pay a heavy price for doing so, according to new research.Identified as the ‘Peter Pan Complex’ - people across all age groups admit they feel and act up to 25 years younger than their real age, a poll conducted for Norwich Union revealed.

The poll of 2,500 people showed that 40 per cent of pensioners feel like they are in their mid forties while more than a third of people nudging 30 say they feel a mere 21.On average, Britons say they feel 10 years younger than their real age. But this carefree attitude to life is fuelling a serious problem, the study concludes, with more than three quarters admit they are totally unprepared for their financial future. The research finds that a third of people are losing sleep over how they’ll make ends meet in the future because they put off sensible spending in favour of a ‘live for today’ attitude.

Four out of five people admit they should have done something earlier to make their financial future secure.