The Nation's Top 'Dadisms': "I'm Just Resting My Eyes" Ranks Among Favorites!

THE nation’s favourite “dadisms” phrases include “I’m just resting my eyes”, “were you born in a barn?” and “put a jumper on if you’re cold”.

A poll of 2,000 adults with a father figure uncovered the most endearing dad quirks, with seven in 10 saying they would not change their dad’s corny phrases for the world.

Chris Newberry, 59, spent years putting off his hip replacement until his son motivated him the get surgery Credit: Practice Plus Group Hospitals A poll found that dads were likely to brush off health concerns or mobility issues by saying it is ‘not that bad’ Credit: Poike

Also featuring in the top 10 were dads comparing the lights being left on to “ Illuminations”, demanding others “turn that racket down” and insisting they “don’t need to ask for directions”.

But the dadisms extend to more serious health issues as well, with 62 per cent claiming their dad frequently makes light-hearted excuses for mobility issues, blaming things like “needing to get their joints oiled” (12 per cent) or insisting they have “just slept funny” (23 per cent).

Worryingly, the findings also highlight a more serious health trend, with 73 per cent of fathers downplaying concerns rather than seeking medical advice – compared to just 59 per cent of mums.

Chris Newberry, 59, spent years putting off hip replacement surgery until his son talked him into it.

After living with hip pain caused by osteoarthritis since his late 20s, the dad from Truro, Cornwall spent years putting off the hip replacement surgery he knew he needed.

He said: “Over the years I’d make excuses because of the pain, or brush it off and kept delaying surgery, but it reached a point where I was missing out on too much.

“Living in Cornwall, we love being outdoors, but my hip pain meant I couldn’t properly enjoy being active anymore.

“Even a round of golf had become difficult.

“I started to feel old before my time and realised I didn’t want to keep missing out on experiences we could be enjoying together.”

A major motivation for finally going ahead with surgery was Chris’s son, Harry, 18, alongside the that he would soon lose his private medical insurance following redundancy ahead of early retirement.

Chris added: “I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer.

“The thought of being active again and making the most of retirement was a huge force.

“My son is a keen surfer and he’d often suggested I give it a go too.

“That spurred me into action.

“I wanted to get back to enjoying life properly again and spending quality time with my son.”

After reaching out through his insurer, AXA, Chris was referred the same day, and chose Practice Plus Group Hospital, , to see consultant Mr Dehne, who specialises in hip replacements.

Chris said: “My son was incredibly supportive throughout and even took time off work to drive me from Truro to Birmingham in his little .

“It was a long journey, but having him there made a huge difference.”

Practice Plus Group Hospitals, which commissioned the research to highlight how families can help their dads navigate healthcare needs, also found two thirds of fathers (66 per cent) have delayed seeking medical help.

Half of those polled said their dad is likely to brush off health concerns or mobility issues by saying it is “not that bad” (49 per cent), not wanting to make a fuss (28 per cent) or hoping issues will resolve on their own (43 per cent).

Ross Dowsett, CEO for the hospital group, said: “Some of these classic dadisms are instantly recognisable, and many of us probably catch ourselves repeating them too.

“But jokes aside, the research has revealed a more concerning trend that dads often dismiss aches and pains with throwaway comments rather than seeking medical advice.

“Many blame persistent pain, mobility issues or changes in eyesight on ‘just getting older’, or joke about their ailments.

“While these remarks may seem harmless, symptoms that affect day-to-day life shouldn’t be ignored.

“With Father’s Day approaching, we’d encourage families to start conversations about ongoing joint pain, mobility issues and other health concerns, and support loved ones in seeking an assessment sooner, whether through their or privately.”

The research also points to a growing role reversal within families, with 81 per cent of adult children having helped manage their parents’ healthcare, and 57 per cent of those now playing an active role.

Among those who have a father figure with mobility issues, 69 per cent regularly “nudge” or encourage their dad to seek help for ongoing concerns, such as the likes of hip or knee pain.

When it comes to helping a parent with their healthcare, 44 per cent have urged them to book a medical appointment or consultation, while 29 per cent have attended one alongside them.

A further 23 per cent have even taken time off work or changed plans to support them, according to the survey by OnePoll.

At the same time, 83 per cent would feel more reassured if their dad had access to faster and simpler healthcare support, with three in 10 fathers currently on a waiting list for treatment.

As a result, 57 per cent would consider helping their dad access private healthcare appointments or surgery due to waiting times.

However, of those with fathers who do have private medical insurance, 24 per cent said their dads are reluctant to use it because they feel the claims process is too complicated (28 per cent) or they want to “save it” for something more serious (38 per cent).

Ross Dowsett, from Practice Plus Group Hospitals, added: “We’re increasingly seeing adult children step in to help parents navigate healthcare decisions, from arranging consultations to understanding private healthcare and medical options.

“This is why it’s so important we help people access the treatment and surgery they need sooner so they can get back to enjoying the activities they love again.”