• Reader's Digest Magazine - December 2008

Reader's Digest Magazine - December 2008

Read the December Press Release from Reader's Digest Magazine

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Survey - Inside Australia's Living Rooms

Most of us rate it as our favourite room in the house – it’s the place where we feel most relaxed. But what goes on in your neighbour’s lounge room may very different to what’s happening in yours. Some people work there, some like to have sex there, others do the ironing, cut their toenails, or even shave there.

A survey in the latest issue of READER’S DIGEST magazine provides an invaluable insight into how Australians really like to relax. More than 750 people have opened up about life in the living room, to deliver a snapshot of Aussies at home.

- Three in four (76%) of us describe the living room as the social hub of our home, and the place where we feel most relaxed. Some (16%) don’t want to leave and spend as much time there as possible. Perhaps, not surprisingly, it is a popular choice as our favourite room in the house.

- It is the place of family interaction and great memories. 21st birthday parties, Grand Final moments, children’s first steps and, in some cases, the place where respondents lost their virginity.

- Viewing TV is the No. 1 ‘regular’ activity in the living room (94%), while nine-out-of-ten also nominated relaxing as a common theme. However, there are many other things going on in living rooms across the land. 73% like to read a magazine there, 60% entertain visitors, 52% have a snooze, 44% surf the internet, 29% do the ironing, 27% exercise, 23% cut their toenails in the living room, 22% work on the computer, 20% do craft, and 13% enjoy sex there.

- 96% of Australians say they have a TV in their living room, and 31% now have a computer there. 85% have a DVD player, 39% have a surround-sound system, 39% subscribe to PAY TV, and a similar number enjoy playing games on a console.

- Only 16% of the respondents expressed concerns that entertainment technology has a tendency to dominate over other living room activities. Half of those questioned said it made no difference to their relationships in the household, while another 38% suggested it actually helps create a relaxing experience that gives them enjoyment.

- It’s the men who take charge of the technology in the living room - controlling the remote in the process (58%). One male respondent even admitted to feeling “naked” when his partner finally got control of the remote. And 43% of men say they feel compelled to buy the biggest TV possible.

- 51% of Australians have a dedicated living room, and 49% have an open-plan living/kitchen & dining area. When asked to describe their living room, most opted for “comfortable”, followed by “relaxed”, “lived-in” and “multi-functional”.

Full details appear in the latest issue of READER’S DIGEST.

INTERVIEWS – To arrange an interview – and for a copy of this article – contact Fiona Hamann on 02-9018 6224 or 0423 560 163 Tues-Thurs, (or Beatrix Hon on 02-9018 6227 on Mon & Fri.)