Gen Z, those born after 1997, believe old age begins at 53, according to a survey of 2,000 Brits. This contrasts sharply with older generations: Millennials (30-45) say 63, Gen X (46-61) say 70, and Boomers (61-79) say 75. The findings highlight how perceptions of aging vary across age groups.
Despite these differences, 57% of all adults surveyed think people feel younger than previous generations did at the same age. Reasons include rising life expectancy (52%), better health, enhanced medical care, and longer working lives. Additionally, 40% attribute postponed old age to retirement being seen as a time for adventure and reinvention.
Dr Anna Machin, an anthropologist working with Healthspan, which commissioned the research, said: “Younger and older generations clearly view old age very differently. Midlife today looks very different to previous generations. People are staying active, taking better care of their health and expecting more from life for longer.”
The study found that 79% of adults are taking steps to delay aging, including maintaining a healthy diet (44%), exercising more (43%), learning new things (38%), and taking vitamins (35%). Some rely on buying clothes (18%) or socialising with younger people (15%). Notably, 38% focus on staying healthy rather than staying young.
Dr Hilary Jones added: “Age is always a hot topic – we all want to feel younger than we really are once we get to midlife and beyond. People clearly feel younger and are trying to live more active lives for longer, but that also brings new pressures on the body.”
