The Evolving Perception of ‘Old Age’
A recent study has provided a clear answer to the age-old question: when do you become old? According to a survey involving over 2,000 Brits, the threshold for being considered “old” is now set at 69. This revelation could come as unwelcome news to celebrities in their late 60s, such as Tom Hanks, Kim Catrall, and Steve Harvey.
The research was conducted by Seven Seas, which surveyed thousands of British adults on their perceptions of aging. While previous studies have suggested that old age begins as early as 62, this new data highlights a shift in attitudes towards aging among Brits.
Donna Bartoli, a Wellness Expert & Health Coach, commented on the findings, stating, “While we may be pushing the idea of ‘old’ further into the future, the data suggests many of us are still putting off the habits that help us age well.” She emphasized that if 69 is indeed the new “old,” then taking care of our health should not wait until later in life.
Generational Differences in Perceptions of Aging
Previous research has shown that different generations perceive aging in distinct ways. A poll of 4,000 people revealed that Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) believe old age begins at 67, while their younger counterparts think it starts much earlier.
According to Gen Z, individuals like Michelle Obama, Brad Pitt, and Lisa Kudrow—who are all 62—have already crossed into the “over the hill” category. The poll also found that Gen Z believes cognitive decline typically begins at 62, while struggles with adapting to technology start three years earlier, at 59. Additionally, they think people no longer look good in the latest fashions at 56.
Katherine Crawshaw, co-head of the Age Without Limits campaign, noted, “What we often see with beliefs around age and ageing is real concern at becoming older, of reaching a certain age, from quite early on in our adult lives.”
When ‘Old Age’ Starts, According to Different Generations
Here’s a breakdown of the ages at which different generations consider someone to be “old”:
- Gen Z (18–29): At 62.3 years old
- Millennials (30–45): At 62.9 years old
- Gen X (46–61): At 64.4 years old
- Boomers (62–80): At 67.3 years old
- Silent Generation (81+): At 71.8 years old
Attitudes and Concerns Among Younger Generations
The data also revealed some concerning trends among Gen Z. A fifth of those aged 18–29 don’t think they’ll look good when they’re “old.” Meanwhile, a quarter don’t expect to have many family or friends around them in their later years. Some 27% don’t believe they will be in good health when they are “old” and assume that people have less fun as they age.
Across all age groups, the most common phrases used to describe older people were “stuck in your ways” and “mutton dressed as lamb.” Other popular terms included “you’re too old for that,” “dinosaur,” and “over the hill.”
Technology and Employment Perceptions
Interestingly, the data showed that a significant proportion of Gen Z believed people over the age of 50 would struggle to keep up with technology. However, they appeared to have a more sympathetic view of the value of older workers compared to Boomers. Gen Z was more likely to think that people in their 60s would still be a desirable hire for employers.
Addressing Ageism
The Age Without Limits campaign, run by the Centre for Ageing Better, aims to highlight the harmful nature of ageism across all aspects of society. Harriet Bailiss, co-head of the campaign, stated, “Taking a simplistic view of ageism, one might assume that younger generations are likely to hold more dismissive opinions of older age. The reality is much more complex than that, as our latest polling shows.”
She added, “What we know is that ageism can impact people at all ages and many Gen Z-ers will have experienced being judged on their capability based purely on their age. This is why we need everyone, no matter their age, to be able to notice ageism and to challenge it when they do witness it.”
