The study, by Bupa Health Clinics, found turning 40 or 50 pushes many people into crisis, prompting us to make doctor’s appointments and changes in diet, with 53 per cent cutting down on alcohol or giving up completely.

But for men, it is no longer buying a sports car. Instead the key sign of hitting a midlife turning point is opting to become a vegan (24 per cent) and signing up to a competitive event (31 per cent), such as a marathon.

Some 6 per cent also confess they are keen to get fitter because they “have a younger partner”.